Appeal following sexual assault in Santon Downham

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following an incident of sexual assault near Brandon.

The incident occurred at approximately 2pm on Thursday, May 1, at St Helen’s Picnic Site, in Santon Downham.

A 17-year-old girl was by the river with a friend when she was reportedly approached by a group of males who made inappropriate, sexually explicit comments.

One of the males is then said to have slapped the victim on the bottom, before attempting to grab her bikini top.

The group were approximately eight males, two of whom are described as being aged in their 20s while the others were described as being between 14 and 16 years’ old.

The offending male is described as being around 14 years’ old, with dirty blonde hair and was wearing blue swim shorts and black trainers.

The victim was shaken by the incident but otherwise unharmed.

PC Robert Kindred said: “Behaviour such as this constitutes sexual harassment. Touching someone in that manner is illegal and is never appropriate.

“Sexual comments, even if intended as a joke or banter, can be deeply distressing.

“Women and girls deserve to feel safe and respected, and free from harassment of this nature.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk police quoting  37/23952/25 via:

Website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

Phone: Call 101.