Police have detained a man under the Mental Health Act in Nelson after reports he kissed a child.

On Sunday at 1.32pm officers were called to Regent Street, Nelson, to reports a child had been kissed by a stranger. The suspect had then been apprehended by members of the public.

Police arrested a 36-year-old man from Nelson.

A police spokesperson said: “After a thorough assessment by medical experts the man has since been detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to a secure facility.

“We know that this incident will have caused the local community a great deal of concern and we want to reassure them that this matter will continue to be thoroughly investigated. 

“The victim in this case has been supported by specially-trained officers.”