Teen, 13, arrested as police investigate alleged sex offences on walking trails

Police have arrested a teenager as investigations continue into multiple sexual offences allegedly committed against women on walking trails in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

“Following a public appeal, a 13-year-old boy was arrested after attending Mona Vale Police Station about 7.30pm,” NSW Police said in a statement on Saturday.

“He is assisting police with their inquiries.”

Police have received reports of eight alleged sexual offences against women in the Narrabeen area between October 1 and 12.

Investigations began after three alleged incidents in two days, during which “a male allegedly approached women on walking trails, sexually touched them and then rode away on an e-bike”, police said.

“In one of the incidents, the man also [allegedly] made inappropriate sexual comments.”

Another woman came forward alleging that at the start of the month, she was sexually touched by a man at Narrabeen Lagoon and that he then rode away on an e-bike.

Two women further reported they had been sexually touched by a male riding an e-bike on October 12 as they walked along the lagoon near Bilarong Reserve.

Officers under Strike Force Mexvo are investigating whether the incidents are linked.

Anyone with information, mobile phone or dashcam footage, or who may have witnessed any of the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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