11-year-old arrested over indecent assaults in Bristol
Avon and Somerset Police say the child has been released on bail with conditions
An 11-year-old has been arrested following reports of indecent assaults and knife-related incidents last month in Bristol.
Officers have been investigating the incidents, which they believe to be connected, in the Montpelier and Redcliff areas after they happened on a number of occasions, between March 20th and March 25th.
In these incidents, it's reported a woman and a teenage girl were indecently assaulted, whilst three other women were approached by someone with a knife.
During each of these cases, officers did attend the scene - but the offender had already left the area.
Police add targeted patrols were subsequently put in place to look for them and to provide the public with reassurance.
The 11-year-old who was arrested was taken into custody yesterday (Monday 1 April) before later being released on bail with conditions to stay at home between 7pm and 7am.
Acting Chief Inspector Tom Gent said: “We continue to carry out inquiries into each of these incidents and remain open minded as to whether they are linked.
“The individual we have arrested is a child and we have interviewed him alongside an appropriate adult to see if he has any information about the incidents which could help our investigation. We are also engaging with our statutory partners as part of our safeguarding responsibilities.
“The nature of the offences is concerning and officers continue to target their patrols to provide reassurance and to act as a deterrent.”
If you have information which could help the police with their investigations, you are urged to phone 101 and give the call handler the reference 5224072591.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.