Police are investigating a report of 'suspicious behaviour' at a Tyneside leisure centre following allegations that two young girls were approached by a man near the changing rooms.
It is alleged that the girls were walking from the changing rooms in the swimming baths at Haven Point, in South Shields, on Tuesday evening when a man touched one of the girls on the arm and spoke to her.
The incident was reported to Northumbria Police by the manager of Haven Point as a precaution and enquiries are ongoing to locate those involved and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
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South Tyneside Council confirmed that a referral has also been made to Leisurewatch, a public protection scheme which operates in public spaces across the country.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 8pm on Tuesday (April 18), we received a report of suspicious behaviour at Haven Point Swimming Baths in South Shields.
"It was reported that a two young girls were walking from the changing rooms in the swimming baths, when an unknown man has touched one of the girls on the arm and spoke to her.
"This was reported to police via the manager of the centre.
"Enquiries are ongoing to locate the parties involved and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with any information is asked to contact us via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or call 101 using reference number NP-20230418-1114."
A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: "It was apparent that this was an isolated incident but, as a precaution, staff at Haven Point took immediate action.
"Staff notified the police and took a statement from the parent. In addition, a referral was made to Leisurewatch which is a national public protection scheme.
"We will continue to help the police with their enquiries."
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