Solihull man, 53, arrested ‘trying to meet child under 16’ at railway station

A Solihull man has been arrested on suspicion of trying to meet a child under the age of 16 at Shirley railway station.

The 53-year-old was detained as he allegedly attempted to meet with a youngster on Saturday (30 November).

British Transport Police officers were called to the rail hub at 3.34pm.

There, a man was arrested on suspicion of meeting a child following sexual grooming – otherwise known as a section 15 offence.

He was taken into police custody, where the matter was handed to West Midlands Police.

British Transport Police said: “At 3.34pm on 30 November, officers were called to Shirley station.

“Upon arrival, a 53-year-old man from Solihull was arrested on suspicion of a section 15 offence under the sexual offences act.

“He was taken to custody, the incident was then handed over to West Midlands Police.”

* Section 15 offence explained – Meeting a child following sexual grooming, etc:

“Section 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 makes it an offence for a person (A) aged 18 or over to meet intentionally, or to travel with the intention of meeting, a child aged under 16 in any part of the world, if he has met or communicated with that child on at least two earlier occasions, and intends to commit a “relevant offence” against that child either at the time of the meeting or on a subsequent occasion. An offence is not committed if A reasonably believes the child to be 16 or over.”

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children can call Childline anonymously on 0800 11 11 or www.childline.org.uk any time of the day or night.

Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/solihull-man-53-arrested-trying-17354085