A 27-year-old man from London has been arrested on suspicion of raping a 15-year-old girl in a popular Dorset park, sparking increased police patrols in the area.
The alleged attack on the schoolgirl was reported to have taken place before 10pm on Thursday in the children’s play area at Poole Park, one of Dorset’s most visited family destinations.
Dorset Police confirmed they received a report at 9.57pm on Thursday 25 September that a teenager had been raped in the park by a man she had met earlier that evening.
The force said the 27-year-old suspect from Carshalton in London was arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody. A cordon has been placed around the children’s play area whilst forensic teams examine the crime scene.
“A detailed investigation into the report is being carried out by detectives and specialist officers are supporting the victim,” a spokesperson for Dorset Police said.
Officers have implemented increased patrols throughout the park and surrounding areas, with police encouraging anyone with concerns to speak with officers on patrol.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with Poole Park being one of the area’s most popular family destinations. The 110-acre Victorian park, which opened in 1890, features extensive children’s play areas, a boating lake, cafes and indoor soft play facilities that attract thousands of visitors weekly.
The alleged assault occurred in one of the park’s dedicated children’s play areas, which include climbing frames, swings, and other equipment typically busy with families during daylight hours. The park has two main play areas plus an indoor soft play centre called The Ark.
Poole Park, situated adjacent to Poole Harbour, is open year-round and regularly hosts community events. It features facilities including tennis courts, a miniature railway, bowling green, and watersports activities on its 60-acre lake.
The arrest comes as sexual offence reports continue to rise across Dorset. Recent figures show over 2,000 rape and sexual offences were reported to Dorset Police in the past year, part of an 11% increase in recorded sexual offences across England and Wales.
According to data from the Dorset Council area, there were 725 serious sexual offences recorded last year. Nationally, police recorded 68,949 rape offences in the year ending March 2023, though experts believe many incidents go unreported.
Sexual violence support groups emphasise that the true scale of sexual assault remains hidden due to under-reporting. Rape Crisis England and Wales reports that 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted as adults, with many survivors choosing not to report to police.
The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that approximately 85,000 women experience rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault annually. For male victims, the survey estimates around 275,000 men have experienced sexual assault since age 16.
Local residents have expressed shock at the incident occurring in such a well-used public space. The park is particularly popular with families and features multiple car parks with free parking available on internal roads.
Dorset Police’s specialist teams are trained to support victims of sexual offences, with the force working alongside partner agencies to provide comprehensive care and investigation services.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety in public spaces, particularly as darkness falls earlier with autumn approaching. Police have not released details about how the suspect and victim initially met on Thursday evening.
Anyone who was in Poole Park on Thursday evening or who may have witnessed anything suspicious is urged to contact Dorset Police immediately. The force is particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been in or near the children’s play areas between 9pm and 10pm.
Members of the public with information should contact Dorset Police via their website, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The arrested man remains in custody as detectives continue their investigation. No further details about potential charges or court appearances have been released at this time.
Police confirmed that specialist officers continue to support the young victim whilst the investigation proceeds.
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Image Credit:
The Great Tail Trail, Poole — photo by Malc McDonald, licensed under CC BY-2.0
