A MAN dressed in black and with his face covered by a balaclava allegedly assaulted a six-year-old boy in a park.

The boy told his family the man grabbed him by the shirt while he was on the swings, police said.

Police officers searched the area after the alleged incident at the Southfields recreation ground, Littlehampton, at about 2pm today (July 30).

A 58-year-old man from Littlehampton was arrested shortly after 4.30pm and was in custody at the time of writing.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Colin O'Hare said: "I am very grateful to all those who have already contacted us but would urge anyone who knows anything but who has not yet come forward to do so.

"The park was busy with lots of other children in it at the time. I would ask parents to ask their children if they saw or heard anything and, if they did, to contact us as soon as possible."