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A man has been charged with arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence following his arrest in Leigh Park last night, an incident that drew a crowd of more than 100 local residents.
Lee Comley, 38, of Middle Park Way, was arrested at approximately 7:38pm on Tuesday 1 July after police received reports of a man allegedly sending sexually explicit messages to a child online.
Comley has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 3 July.
Large Crowd Gathers at Scene
Police say a significant number of people gathered in the area, with some chanting and throwing objects as Comley was taken into custody. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
In response to the public unrest, a dispersal order has been put in place across the local area and will remain active until 12pm on Friday, 4 July. Officers remain on patrol to provide community reassurance and prevent further disturbances.
Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said:
“We were called at 7.38pm on Tuesday 1 July to reports of a man suspected of sending explicit messages to a child online.
Officers arrested a 38-year-old man, who has now been charged and remanded.
We are aware of the public reaction and have implemented a dispersal order to maintain community safety.”
Appeal for Calm and Information
Police are urging residents to remain calm and allow the justice process to take its course. Anyone with further information related to the investigation is asked to contact Hampshire Police on 101, quoting the incident date.
