Colchester: Man arrested after reports of girls approached on streets

We have arrested a man on suspicion of common assault after we received reports of girls being approached and followed by a man in Colchester.

Two incidents of a man trying to speak to the victims – one at about 10pm on Friday 6 September, another at 10pm on Saturday 7 September – were reported to police.

The suspect was seen in Monkwick Avenue, Queen Elizabeth Way and Prince Phillip Road during these incidents. In one of these incidents, the victim reported being pinched on the arm by the suspect.

Working with our partner agencies and through proactive patrolling in the area, we have identified a suspect and arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of common assault. He remains in custody while our enquiries continue.

District Commander Colin Cox said:

“We fully understand how intimidating these experiences were for the victims, and our officers have been working hard to identify and locate whoever may be responsible.
“This has been possible thanks to the members of the public who have come forward to help us, our partners in Colchester City Council, and the diligence and response of my officers.
“Our investigation is ongoing. Please get in touch of you have any information that may help us.”

If you have any information regarding these incidents, or similar incidents in the Monkwick area of Colchester, please contact us quoting incident 1430 of Friday 6 September.

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