3-Year-Old Girl Sexually Attacked at Fort Victoria Country Park – Police Lock Down Area
Fort Victoria Country Park near Yarmouth remains on lockdown after a shocking sexual attack on a 3-year-old girl in a nearby woodland. The terrifying incident unfolded on Bank Holiday Monday and has left the local community reeling.
Crime Scene Sealed Off as Police Hunt Witnesses
Authorities have closed the park’s public toilets and sealed off surrounding woodland as crime scene investigators comb for evidence. Portable toilets have been brought in while the original facilities undergo forensic examination.
Police, including officers flown in from the mainland and the National Police Air Service helicopter from Bournemouth, launched an extensive search shortly after 3pm on Monday. The hunt spread from Fort Victoria to the Wightlink ferry terminal at Yarmouth, then across to Lymington on the mainland.
Suspect Arrested, Investigation Ongoing
A 60-year-old man from the Isle of Wight was arrested in connection with the attack and remains in custody. Officers from the New Forest have joined local police to bolster security around the country park.
Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Chief Inspector Liam Davies urged the public to come forward: “This was a very serious incident and there will be an increased police presence in the area whilst we examine a number of lines of enquiry.
“The child and her family are receiving specialist support. We know two dog walkers – a man and a woman – were near the scene and may have seen something important. They spoke with the child’s mother, and it is vital we identify them.
If this is you, please contact us immediately.
“We also want to hear from anyone who visited Fort Victoria Country Park on that day or previously, especially if you noticed suspicious behaviour. Even the smallest detail could be crucial.”
Superintendent Sarah Jackson added: “Incidents like this are extremely rare. We take every allegation seriously and are working tirelessly to investigate. Officers remain at the scene and patrol the area. If you have any information or concerns, please speak to them.”
How to Help
Enquiries to uncover the full circumstances continue. The public is urged not to speculate but to share any information they have.
- Call police on 101, quoting Operation July
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
