Girl, 15, sexually assaulted in Andover playground before couple intervene

230723 MER ANDOVER SEXUAL ASSAULT GOOGLE MAPS GOOGLE STREETVIEW
Police are appealing for witnesses who were in the area of the Hedgerow Walk playground on 12 July. Credit: Google Maps

Detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of sexual assault after a teenage girl was allegedly targeted in a Hampshire playground.

The 15-year-old victim was with a group of friends in Andover on the evening of Wednesday, 12 July.

She was approached by a man in the Hedgerow Walk play park between 6.30 and 7pm, according to police.

Officers are trying to trace a couple who intervened in the incident on a housing estate in the East Anton area of the town.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: "A man approached a group of teenagers at the park and assaulted a 15-year-old girl.

"Her friends went to find help and found a couple who intervened. We’d like to speak to this couple, or anyone else who was in the area at the time as they may have vital information."

A 40-year-old man, from Southampton, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He has been released on bail until 16 October.

Police say the 15-year-old girl was not injured.