By Lucy Morgan
Wed, 08 February 2012 12:00AM
The girl told officers a man was walking behind her in the York Avenue area at around 5.30pm on Tuesday 7 February. Police are urging the man to come forward if there's an innocent explanation and they are also seeking witnesses. A number of posts were made on social network sites following the alleged incident on Tuesday.
Police say the man is described as white, 5ft 4inches tall with large build. He was wearing glasses with oblong tinted lenses. He was wearing a blue hooded top, blue jeans, and scruffy white trainers and he appeared to have a chain and a piece of rope hanging from the pockets of his jeans.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "At this stage, there is no evidence to confirm any criminal offences took place or were intended. Initial enquiries suggest the man did not speak to the girl and did not touch her. Nevertheless, the report is being treated seriously and we are pursuing several lines of enquiry to identify the man, whose apparent behaviour has upset and alarmed a young girl."
"She and her family acted correctly by raising their concerns with the police swiftly. We always encourage people to report information to the authorities if they’re worried about the welfare of a child."
"Police are carrying out extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the community after this report, which is not being linked to any other incidents."
"We cannot rule out the possibility of a totally innocent explanation so officers would also appeal for the man himself to contact police as soon as possible."
The man or anyone with information is asked to contact police by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
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