A FARM worker has been charged after he allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted a six-year-old girl while she was playing in the street.
Florin Marin grabbed the young girl in broad daylight before forcing her into some bushes near Timberleys in Littlehampton, West Sussex, on Monday.
Police said he made off a minute or so later after he was distracted by relatives calling out for the girl.
She was physically unharmed and ran back to her family.
The 35-year-old has been charged with kidnap, attempted sexual assault of a child and exposure in relation to the incident on August 23.
Marin has also been charged with a separate offence of engaging in a sexual activity in the presence of a child which took place on August 1.
He has been remanded in custody to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
Members of the public recognised him after the reported abduction and detained him before police arrived.
Chief Inspector Jon Carter said: “This was a serious incident. I know that this will have caused concern amongst many in the local community.
“I am grateful to those members of the community who have supported this investigation and particularly to those who detained the suspect.
“Even though this was a serious incident, incidents of this nature are comparatively rare, and Sussex Police will continue to work with partners and communities to keep people safe.”
