Man arrested in Colchester after reports of suspicious behaviour near Stanway and Lexden
He has been released on bail with a series of strict conditions
A man has been arrested after reports of suspicious behaviour in the Stanway and Lexden area of Colchester.
Essex Police said they had been made aware of a man who had been acting suspiciously in Straight Road on a number of occasions.
Through their work, officers identified a man they needed to speak to.
On Friday, a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency and a public order offence.
He was released on bail until December and must follow a series of conditions.
The bail conditions
Under the conditions, he must surrender any internet-enabled or image-storing device upon police request.
He must not contact, communicate, or associate with anyone under 18 without parental or guardian authorisation.
He must not photograph, film, or record anyone under 18 in public without parental or guardian consent.
He must not loiter within 100m of schools, colleges, playgrounds, or youth facilities.
He must not contact or interfere with victims or prosecution witnesses.
He must also not attend parks, playgrounds, recreation grounds, leisure areas, or other locations primarily used by children under 18.
Police said breaching any of the conditions would result in an arrest.
Work with partner agencies
While the investigation continues, officers are also working with Essex Community Offending Behaviour Service.
The force said it is a partnership safeguarding and intervention service which supports people whose behaviour is causing concern in the community.
It helps ensure they receive the most appropriate intervention, whether through the criminal justice system, health services or other support.
Inspector Martin Willsher, who leads the Colchester neighbourhood policing team, said: "The concerns reported to us by residents were taken extremely seriously and we have acted as quickly as possible.
"As our enquiries continue, we are working closely with partner agencies to ensure that any risks are managed appropriately and that the most suitable intervention is in place.
"There are complexities involved in this investigation which we must be incredibly mindful of, but I want our residents to know these conditions will be robustly monitored by our team."