Police reassure parents over Hove schoolgirl incident

A detective has said that the 11-year-old girl who was approached by a stranger in Hove this week was not touched by the man.

And the incident was no longer being treated as suspicious, Detective Sergeant Duncan Elliott said.

Officers have been investigating the incident which happened in Hangleton Way by the junction with Hardwick Road at about 8am on Wednesday (5 October).

Sussex Police said that the girl had said that she was approached from behind as she walked to school.

After further inquiries the force said: “It has now been clarified that the man did not touch the girl and did not talk to her.”

Detective Sergeant Elliott said: “The incident is no longer being treated as suspicious but police would still like to speak to anyone who has further information.

“I would like to emphasise that the girl did the right thing in reporting the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.