Man arrested after women and girls approached in Dewsbury

A man has been arrested following reports that a number of women and girls had been approached by a person who had caused them concern.

An employee in a town centre store in Dewsbury contacted officers on Tuesday and also posted about the incident on social media, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.

As a result, a 24-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Thursday on suspicion of harassment.

Police said that three further potential victims had also been identified and spoken to by officers, and high visibility patrols would be increased in the town centre over the coming days to offer reassurance to the public.

Dewsbury’s neighbourhood policing team was aware of comments on social media from other females who said they had been approached by a man in the town centre, the force spokesperson said.

Insp Liz Lockwood said officers were working to ensure that all victims were appropriately supported, adding that a “comprehensive investigation” would be carried out.

“We will be increasing high visibility patrols in the town centre today and over the coming days to offer reassurance to the public, visit stores and reassure business owners and staff and to collate details of any further victims,” she said.

“If anyone else has been approached by a man in concerning circumstances that has caused them to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed, then I would urge them to come forward.

“We are committed to protecting women and girls from violence and the fear of violence.”