Two girls, 16, are 'sexually assaulted by group of men' in sea off Bournemouth beach as suspect, 22, is arrested

Two teenage girls were 'sexually assaulted' by a group of men while in the sea.

The two complainants, both 16, were taking a dip in the water at Bournemouth beach on August 12 when they met a group of men with two double lilo inflatable mattresses.

They are alleged to have been assaulted while they were on one of the lilos.

A 22-year-old man from London has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and bailed while police inquiries continue.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: 'Detectives investigating an incident where two teenage girls were reportedly sexually assaulted in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

'It was reported that between 1.30pm and 2pm on Monday August 12 two 16-year-old girls were in the sea at Bournemouth Beach, to the east of Bournemouth pier, when they encountered a group of men who had two double lilos.

'The girls sat on one of the lilos and while they were on it, they were touched inappropriately by the men.

'The girls then jumped off the lilo and made their way back to shore.

'Following inquiries by officers, a 22-year-old man from the London area was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He was subsequently released on police bail as further inquiries are carried out.'

Detective Constable Hele Leech-Wilkinson said: 'Work is ongoing to identify two other men reported to be involved.

'I would urge anyone who was at the beach on the afternoon of Monday August 12 and witnessed any suspicious activity, or anybody with further information that might assist our investigation, to please contact us.'