Detectives are appealing for information after a four year old girl reported being sexually assaulted at a children’s play centre in Lancaster.
The girl told her parents the assault happened whilst she was playing at The Zone on Dalton Square between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Saturday 16th February.
A 13-year-old boy from Lancaster has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and is currently on police bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Inspector Phil Jones, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a very sensitive investigation and we are seeking the help of the public. I would ask the parents or relatives of any children who were at The Zone on Saturday between 12.30 and 2.00pm to contact the police.
“I would like to stress that at this stage, there is no suggestion that any other child has been a victim; we do believe this to have been an isolated incident. However, we are seeking any witnesses that may have seen something suspicious or out of the ordinary.
“The young girl and her parents are currently being supported by specially trained officers and The Zone is fully cooperating with our investigation.”
A spokesperson from The Zone released the following statement:
“We are deeply shocked at recent events. We do our utmost to provide a safe and secure environment for children to play in with their parents supervision. This incident was totally beyond our control and it could have happened anywhere. I want to reassure our regular customers that this was an isolated incident.”
Anybody with any information can contact police on 101, quoting log number LC-20130216-1061, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.