A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested following reports of a sexual assault at a public park.

The incident is said to have taken place in Alexandra Park, Hastings, at about 8.45am on Sunday, March 14.

Sussex Police received a call about the incident about 30 minutes later.

The victim, a 17-year-old girl, is receiving support from specialist officers.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident.

Extra patrols have since been launched in the area surrounding the park "to provide reassurance to communities and to identify and deter any criminal behaviour".

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "At 9.15pm on Sunday, March 14, police received a report of a sexual assault in Alexandra Park, Hastings.

"It was reported the incident had happened about 30 minutes prior to the call being made to police. The victim, a 17-year-old girl, is receiving support from specialist officers.

"Police investigating the matter have arrested a 14-year-old boy in relation to the assault. He has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

"Officers will be carrying out patrols in the area to provide reassurance to communities and to identify and deter any criminal behaviour.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information about what happened is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 1218 of 14/03.