A man has been arrested after a three-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in an Isle of Wight country park.
The child was assaulted at Fort Victoria Country Park near Yarmouth at around 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday as she enjoyed a day out with her family.
A suspect, 60, was arrested in connection with the incident and tonight remained in custody.
It is understood the child was taken from near the park's public toilets and into dense woodland before being sexually assaulted. She was found a short time later.
The child was assaulted at Fort Victoria Country Park near Yarmouth at around 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday as she enjoyed a day out with her family. Pictured: The scene on Monday
The area today remained sealed off as investigations into the assault continue.
Police are now appealing for two dog walkers who may have seen 'something significant' to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Liam Davies said: 'This was a very serious incident and there will be an increased police presence in the area whilst we examine a number of lines of inquiry.
'The child, a three-year-old girl, and their family are receiving specialist support while we seek to establish the full circumstances of what happened.
'We know there were two dog walkers in the vicinity at this time – a man and a woman – who we believe may have witnessed something significant and discussed this with the child's mother. It is vital that we identify them. If this is you, please contact us immediately.
A suspect, 60, was arrested in connection with the incident and tonight remained in custody. Pictured: Woodland inside the park
Police are now appealing for two dog walkers who may have seen 'something significant' to come forward
'In addition, we would like to hear from anyone who used Fort Victoria Country Park either that day or previously and who may have seen someone acting suspiciously, or anything out of the ordinary which could assist our investigation.
'You may not believe that you have anything significant to tell us, but even the smallest piece of information could be vital, so please get in touch.'
Superintendent Sarah Jackson added: 'Incidents of this nature are extremely rare, and we work very hard on the Isle of Wight to tackle sexual offences in partnership with organisations that support victims.
'All allegations of this nature are taken very seriously, and dedicated officers will be working tirelessly to investigate this incident.
'Officers remain at the scene in Fort Victoria Country Park, and there are additional officers in the area conducting patrols, so if you have any information or concerns please do not hesitate to approach them.'
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting Operation July.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.