Police have provided an update on a string of incidents in Chippenham involving girls and women.
In a statement, neighbourhood Sergeant Jamie Ball said that the force is taking all reports seriously and investigations are ongoing.
He also expressed concerns about reports by a particular news organisation, which we are not naming.
At Wiltshire 999s, we’ve provided up to date coverage to keep locals informed – including accounts from the parents of the victims, schools who have issued formal statements and the police.
Continue to follow us for the latest Chippenham news. As a trusted source of news content, we hope our reporting helps parents keep their children safe in the community.
Read PS Ball’s statement in full: “Firstly, I would like to assure you that we are treating all of the reports seriously and investigating them fully.
“My neighbourhood officers have been patrolling the reported areas to offer a visible deterrent and point of direct contact for anyone who feels unsafe.
“However, we must stress that in none of the incidents has anyone been physically harmed and there is no evidence to suggest that they are linked or that they relate to one specific person.
“We understand that such reports will be of concern and will have been the subject of speculation on social media, which can cause anxiety when the speculation is not factually correct. This speculation is fuelled by several news reports that have been published without having sought official information.
“Schools in the area have been updated by our policing team and have been provided an official statement to pass to parents.
“I would like to offer my personal thanks to everyone who has assisted with our enquiries by providing information and CCTV footage, it is much appreciated.”
