Teenager sexually assaulted near town library

A 16-year-old girl has been sexually assaulted near a town library.

It happened at about 15:00 BST on Monday near to Shrewsbury Library on Castle Street.

West Mercia Police said a man began talking to her before putting his hand on her.

The incident was reported to police and a man, aged 33, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of sexual assault via touching. He has since been released on police bail as inquiries continue.

The incident is believed to have happened in the gardens at the front of library, according to Shropshire Council.

Cllr James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing & Leisure said: "I have spoken to the manager at the library; however it appears that the incident took place in the gardens to the front of the library, which is not part of library space, and they had not been made aware of this incident at the time.

"The library service has since been approached by the police to see if we have any CCTV coverage which can assist in any way."

PC Ben Summerfield-Davies from West Mercia Police said: "We understand that incidents of this nature cause concern within the community, and we want to reassure the public that the investigation continues.

"We are appealing for anyone who was in or around Shrewsbury Library at the time and may have witnessed the incident to contact us. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could assist our inquiries."

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