Police name suspect charged with sexually assaulting child on Lancashire playing fields

A man has been charged with sexual assault after a child was attacked on playing fields in Darwen at the weekend.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 24th May 2021, 11:18 BST
Updated 24th May 2021, 11:25 BST
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Police were called shortly before 7pm on Friday (May 21) after a teenage girl reported being assaulted by a man on playing fields near Marsh House Lane.

She told detectives that a man had approached her and had started talking to her before she was sexually assaulted.

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The girl ran off and sought help by flagging down a passing motorist.

Police were called shortly before 7pm on Friday (May 21) after a teenage girl reported being assaulted by a man on playing fields near Marsh House Lane in DarwenPolice were called shortly before 7pm on Friday (May 21) after a teenage girl reported being assaulted by a man on playing fields near Marsh House Lane in Darwen
Police were called shortly before 7pm on Friday (May 21) after a teenage girl reported being assaulted by a man on playing fields near Marsh House Lane in Darwen

A public appeal was shared by police on social media and a suspect was swiftly arrested.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, police say Mark McCarren, 46, of Blacksnape Road, Hoddlesden, has been charged with one count of sexual assault by penetration.

He is due to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday, May 24)

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Lancashire Police said the victim, a teenager, continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

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