A TEENAGER, 14, who was arrested in connection with ten sexual assaults on and around the Bristol and Bath Railway Path has been referred to a multi-agency youth panel.

A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "A 14-year-old male was arrested on December 1, 2020 in connection with ten sexual offences reported on or around the cycle path during November 2020.

"The matter has been referred to a multi-agency youth panel and an assessment is ongoing to determine the most appropriate outcome."

The boy was arrested in December in connection with the assaults, after a spate of incidents on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path.

This followed a problem solving plan put in place by the police in response to public concerns following reports of anti-social behaviour, sexual assault, theft and assault on the path.

Working with local partners including Sustrans and local councils, measures include targeted high visibility patrols and days of action, bike marking days and an increased emphasis on information sharing between Bristol East and South Gloucestershire neighbourhood policing teams, both of which cover the length of the path.

Neighbourhood Inspector Clive Summerill said: “The local neighbourhood team continues to patrol the pathway and we’d encourage anyone who spots a crime in progress, or has concerns about groups of young people being intimidating, anti-social or blocking the path to call 101 as soon as possible, or 999 if they fear a crime is being committed. All reports will be thoroughly investigated.”