School patrols after man 'incited sexual act with child'

Thursday 13 May 2021

Police are stepping up patrols around town schools after arresting a man in his 30s on suspicion of inciting a sexual act with a child in St. Helier.

The "inappropriate" approaches were reported to have happened in St. Helier outside of school time.

Police officers are now due to step up patrols of the areas surrounding town schools as a result.

A Government spokesperson said in a short statement this morning: “We are aware of a small number of school children being inappropriately approached by a member of the public in St. Helier. These incidents happened outside school time, but children reported them to staff at one of the town schools who passed the information onto the police. Police have now arrested a male in his 30s on suspicion of these offences, and he is in police custody.

“Parents are reminded to talk to their children about what to do if the actions of a stranger make them feel uncomfortable: they should ignore them, get to a public place, and tell someone. Parents are also being asked to take simple safety precautions such as arranging for children to walk with a friend to and from school.

“Officers will continue to patrol the areas of the town schools over the next few days to offer reassurance.”

A Police spokesperson later added: "In the early hours of 13 May, officers arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of inciting a sexual act with a child. He remains in police custody at this time.

"Officers will continue to patrol the areas of the town schools over the next few days to offer reassurance and our SaYF Officers are working closely with the relevant school to reinforce safety messages to the students."

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