Man caught trying to check into city centre hotel with schoolgirl

A man was caught trying to check into a Liverpool city centre hotel this morning with a 13-year-old girl.

Police went to the hotel in the early hours of this morning, July 1, after suspicions were raised. The man reportedly tried to book into another hotel earlier this morning, but staff refused him a room after they were unable to verify his details.

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Police found the suspect and the young girl at the second hotel and arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of a sexual offence with a female. He was taken to a police station in Merseyside where he remains in custody.

A police scene is in place at the hotel while police continue their investigations.

Detective Inspector Stephen Croasdale of Merseyside Police said: “Merseyside Police works with local hotels to prevent criminal and sexual exploitation across Liverpool.

“The hospitality industry is highly vulnerable to forced criminality and sexual exploitation, through targeted training, hotel staff now have a better understanding about what exploitation is and what the implications are. Being able to spot the signs and then be able to act to help those at risk is crucial in order to protect vulnerable people.

“I hope this arrest encourages staff to remain vigilant and come forward and report any sex offences to us, and they have confidence in us, as a police force, to take reports seriously and continue to take the necessary actions.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:

NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk.

Childline – call 0800 1111

If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.

You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here.

There is a lot of support available from specialist officers within Merseyside Police and through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service delivered jointly by two registered charities.

In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.

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