BREAKING: Three girls sexually assaulted in Castleford

Police said two girls were assaulted on an area of wasteland at the back of Garden Street at around 7.15pm on Saturday.

Then, on Sunday afternoon two girls were assaulted after playing in a park off Barnes Road.

DI Mark Catney, of Wakefield District CID, said: “The first incident is thought to have taken place on Saturday evening on an area of wasteland at the back of Garden Street around 7.15pm.

“At the time two local girls aged five and six were playing when they were approached by a male suspect who engaged them in conversation before assaulting them. The girls then ran home and police were notified.

“A second incident occurred on Sunday afternoon between 1.20pm - 3.20pm when two girls aged six and seven were playing in the park off Barnes Road in the Half Acres area of Castleford when they were approached by an unknown male walking a dog.

“He engaged the girls in conversation and went onto assault the 6-year-old who was then able to run home.”

A 27-year-old man was arrested and remains in police custody.

DI Catney said: “The suspect is described as a white male aged 25 to 35 years of age with light coloured short hair.

“I would take this opportunity to reassure local people that these are unusual and rare incidents to occur in the Half Acres area of Castleford.

“This is a close knit community who support each other, who have good links with the local neighbourhood policing team, and is a safe area to live.

“The families of the girls are being supported by specially trained officers as the investigation progresses.

“Neighbourhood officers are in the area providing reassurance and visiting local schools to reinforce safety messages around children not talking to strangers.”

Police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Wakefield CID on 101, quoting reference number 1101 of June 1.