Leaders slam man who sexually assaulted teenage boy in Eling Recreational Ground

The unknown man approached two teenage boys at Eling Recreational Ground on Saturday, April 17, and talked to them before sexually assaulting one of the boys.

The offence happened at around 2pm and the suspect is described as being white, aged between 25 and 32, approximately 5ft 10ins tall, average build, bleached blonde hair with shaved sides.

County councillor for Totton South and Marchwood, David Harrison, said targeting a teenager is a despicable act and hopes the culprit is quickly caught.

• Police on the hunt for suspect who sexually assaulted teenage boy

David Harrison won Totton South and Marchwood for the Lib-Dems, Hampshire County Council Elections, Applemore Leisure and Recreation Centre Thursday 2nd May 2013.

He said: "Picking on a vulnerable teenager is really despicable behaviour and unfortunately they may carry on doing it.

"It is alarming, because the recreation ground has always been a very safe place for children and young people.

"I hope that anybody who can assist the police will do so, because this person needs to be caught and prosecuted quickly."

Hampshire Constabulary are on the hunt for the culprit, who was seen wearing a blue or grey baggy jumper, tracksuit bottoms or jeans, a blue tye-dye t-shirt and had a small black backpack with him.

The force is now appealing to witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward in a bid to catch the culprit.

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Town councillor for Totton South, Linda Francis, said she was shocked to hear the news.

She explained: "I am shocked and my feelings for him [the victim] is how devastating at a young age it can be for this to happen.

"It is the most awful thing to happen.

"I will be asking questions about this, because lots of children play down there and it is not a place where lots of people have problems."

Ms Francis added she hopes the police find the suspect as quickly as possible.

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Police Investigator, Douglas Gould from Hampshire Constabulary’s CID team, said: “This incident happened in broad daylight and demonstrates very bold behaviour by the offender. "We are keen to hear from anyone who might have been in the area at the time or recognises the man from the description.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 44210145347. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“We would like to reassure the local community that we take every report of sexual assault seriously, whether recent or non-recent. We have specialist officers who can support anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault.

“As always, if you see anything suspicious please call 101, or report it via our online reporting portal on the Hampshire Constabulary website. If a crime is in progress, please dial 999.”