Male arrested on suspicion of voyeurism after reports images taken of children in Southport
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We can confirm we have arrested a 16-year-old male from Southport on suspicion of possession of indecent images and voyeurism offences.
Officers seized devices belonging to the suspect and discovered a number of inappropriate images that appeared to have been taken of female victims including children.
As a result, the suspect was arrested on 26 November on suspicion of possession of an extreme pornographic image, possession of indecent photographs of children and voyeurism. He was conditionally bailed and has been suspended by his school, where some of the offences are alleged to have occurred.
Following subsequent enquiries, a number of girls photographed have been identified and their families have been informed.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Parry said: “I know this news will bring shock to the community in Southport and cause concern for parents and guardians in the area.
“I want to reassure the community that we have conducted, and will continue to progress, extensive and thorough enquiries into this matter. We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to secure justice for victims and put offenders behind bars.
“We are working with partners in the local authority with all those affected, and are providing sensitive and specialist support throughout the legal process.”
To report a sexual offence you can call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support services.
These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it.
if you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation, court process and beyond.
You can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police.
With no police involvement, a specialist doctor at Safe Place can examine you to check that you are ok and look for DNA evidence, which they will store to support your case. This gives you the option of making a formal police report at a later time, if you choose to.
Support is also available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
If you do not require immediate police assistance, then you can report rape and sexual assault via our website:
Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service: Home: Victim Care Merseyside
Our Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaign puts the voices of women and girls at the heart of our work to tackle VAWG. You can find out more about the campaign here: www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg