Oxford’s community has been left disturbed after girls locked themselves in a city park’s toilets over fears of a potential sexual attack.
The incident, which led to a man’s arrest, occurred at Bury Knowle Park in Headington between 3.05pm and 3.30pm on Sunday, July 7.
Two men allegedly approached the pair of girls and made sexual comments towards them, which made them opt to hide.
The pair locked themselves in nearby public toilets to escape "harassment".
It is reported by Thames Valley Police that the men proceeded to wait outside the public toilets after the girls locked themselves inside.
READ MORE: Girls lock themselves in toilet to escape 'sexual harassment'
They both managed to leave after calling the police, and neither of the victims were harmed, according to the force.
A 23-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested on suspicion of harassment and possession of Class B drugs.
He has been released on bail as police continue their investigations into the incident which was described as “suspicious” by the force.
Investigating officer PC Daniel Steere, said: “I am appealing to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in these areas at this time to please get in touch."
“Anyone with information should call the police on 101 or make a report on the website, quoting the reference number 43240321630.
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“I would also like to reassure the community that this is being investigated and is believed to be an isolated incident.
“However, we would advise people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.”
Headington and the wider Oxford community have been left shocked with local figures sharing their concerns.
City councillor Emily Kerr said: “I’m incredibly saddened and disturbed to hear about this incident, which must have been awful for the girls concerned.
“We know that violence against women and girls is a huge problem, and prosecution rates are incredibly low.
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“As a woman and mother who regularly walks around our parks I find this personally distressing and as a councillor I find it shocking that young girls can’t always be safe from harassment during mid-afternoon in our lovely city.
“Whilst the girls should absolutely not ever be made to feel like they need to hide in a public toilet, I am pleased they took pragmatic action to make themselves safe and called the police, and that an arrest has been made.
“I hope they and their families are OK, and that the police are correct that this is an isolated incident.”
Headington councillor Dr Christopher Smowton added: “I'm very grateful to officers for their efforts and would urge anyone who thinks they might have useful information to get in touch with the police.
“I think this incident underscores how vital beat police officers are for public safety, and I will keep speaking up for their importance.”
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