A MAN who witnesses claimed was wearing a clown mask has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child in a park.
Cops raced to Crediton, Devon today after reports there was a masked man in a popular playground.
DevonLive/BPMPolice were called to a Devon playground after reports of a man in a mask[/caption]
Officers picked up further frantic calls from people who claimed the man had started approaching children and scaring them.
The man then allegedly inappropriately touched a child in the park near Belle Parade and Church Street.
A man in his 40s has now been arrested over the terrifying incident, and remains in custody.
Cops are now urging anyone with any further information or footage to get in touch.
Devon Police‘s Inspector Ollie Heaton said: “A male in his 40s was arrested this afternoon on suspicion of committing a sexual assault on a child which occurred within the vicinity of the Newcombes Play Park in Crediton.
“The male remains in police custody whilst enquiries continue.
“This incident is alleged to have occurred between approximately 12:00pm and 12:40pm today and we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information relating to this, to contact us as soon as possible.
“Information that we are keen to review also includes any dash cam, doorbell or other CCTV footage.
“It is believed that a number of people, including parents with children, were in the park at the time and we are very keen to speak to everyone who was present to ensure that we have captured all the relevant evidence and witness testimonies.”
The inspector added that he understood there may be “concern within the community”.
He continued: “I want to reassure the public that we are painstakingly seeking all the evidence in order to deal robustly and thoroughly with the report.
“At present we are not seeking anyone else in connection to this incident.”
Anyone with information which may assist is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 301 of 24 October.
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