VIDEO: Detectives release CCTV footage after sex attacks in Castleford

Police presence increased around the area in Glasshoughton where a series of sexual assualts took place on young females.
Picture: Waste land near Garden Street.
p315a422 — Police presence increased around the area in Glasshoughton where a series of sexual assualts took place on young females. Picture: Waste land near Garden Street. p315a422

The footage was taken from cameras just outside a corner shop at the junction of Smawthorne Grove and Willow Road on Saturday at around 5.30pm - less than two hours before two girls were sexually assaulted.

The girls, aged five and six, were assaulted on an area of wasteland at the back of Garden Street at around 7.15pm on Saturday.

Then on Sunday afternoon a six-year-old girl was assaulted after playing in a park off Barnes Road sometime between 1.20pm and 3.20pm.

She had been playing with a seven-year-old girl when they were approached by a man who began talking to the children.

He then assaulted the six-year-old before she was able to run home.

The man in the CCTV image is white, with short hair and was wearing light grey coloured trousers and a dark blue T-shirt.

DI Mark Catney, of Wakefield CID, said: “We know the two victims were at the corner shop around the same time and I believe this man may have seen the two children shortly before the assaults took place on Saturday evening.

“I would ask him to come forward as he may hold vital information which could assist the investigation. I would also ask anyone who recognises the man to contact police.”

“I would also like to 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.”

Two 27-year-old men were arrested in connection with the incidents and remain on police bail.

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