Extra police patrols have been sent to a popular cruising spot after a 10-year-old girl with her parents found two men having sex in public.
The child was out on a half-term stroll on Brighton beachfront with her parents when the family decided to walk up to the Esplanade through Dukes Mound.
But when they turned a corner, they found the couplehaving sex on a bench in full view of passers-by.
The area is a well-known cruising spot with gay men regularly meeting there for casual sex.
The girl’s furious father said: “My daughter was traumatised – she’s only 10 and she shouldn’t have to see something like that. She was white and shaking.
“We were appalled.”
The father, from Worthing, who did not wish to be named, complained that Sussex Police should do more to prevent acts of public indecency during the day.
He said: “We walked all the way down Madeira Drive trying to find a policeman but there wasn’t a single one around so we had to go to the police station.
“But they should be doing more to prevent this happening. I don’t see why Dukes Mound should be a no-go area for families.”
Increased patrols
A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said officers had searched for the offenders on Tuesday afternoon (February 19) with no success.
She said: “We are aware that Dukes Mound is used as a public sexual environment at night, and this is policed accordingly, however it is extremely rare to receive calls of this nature during the day.
“Patrols have been increased in the area as a result of this incident, which was extremely upsetting for the family involved.
“If police receive any calls of this nature then they will, of course, be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. We will continue to work closely with the local authority and other LGBT agencies to ensure Dukes Mound is a safe and clean area for everyone to enjoy.”
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