A man in his 40s has been arrested by police investigating the "discovery of a bicycle and a bag containing a number of items" in Coleraine, following what police describe as a "significant" operation.
There was widespread concern for women's safety in the area, and a public meeting organised, following reports that a "rucksack" containing a hammer, mask, cable ties, a change of clothes, condoms and a sex toy had been discovered by a woman in the Co Derry town.
A PSNI spokesperson said on Saturday that a man in his 40s, from the local area, was arrested in Portstewart. A police superintendent said that, in relation to "wider community reassurance" the arrest is not being linked to "any other reports of suspicious activity in the Coleraine area in recent weeks".
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"Police in Coleraine investigating the discovery of a bicycle and a bag containing a number of items in the Strand Road area of the town on Thursday, 13th February, have made an arrest in the Portstewart area this morning," a police spokesperson said on Saturday afternoon.
PSNI Superintendent McIldowney said: “A significant policing operation has been in place to identify the person responsible for the discovery made by a member of our local community. Local officers have worked relentlessly through countless hours of CCTV and forensic enquiries, and engaged with a significant number of people across the Borough.
“Today we can confirm that we have a 40 year old male from the local area in police custody. He has been arrested on suspicion of a number of domestic abuse related offences. Our investigation is ongoing and we have been engaging with the victim and providing them with support.”
Superintendent McIldowney added: “We take all reports seriously and are committed to making areas safe for everyone. As a Police Service our focus is to intervene early, relentlessly pursue perpetrators and disrupt any predatory behaviours in all spaces to keep women and girls safe.
“In relation to wider community reassurance I can confirm that we are not linking this to any other reports of suspicious activity in the Coleraine area in recent weeks. Through the planned community safety engagement event for women and girls in Coleraine next Thursday evening, we will address any personal safety concerns and actively listen to ensure the voices of local women and girls are heard."
The officer continued: “We have robust operational measures in place to deter those who seek to cause harm in our local communities, with targeted patrols in areas where women and girls have told us they feel unsafe.
“It’s important to note with the recent launch of the Power To Change campaign, our local district engagement teams have been provided with an operational toolkit to take this campaign out to local community groups and sporting clubs. We are keen to work with as many groups and organisations in our communities and partners to roll this campaign out far and wide and work together to end violence against women and girls.
"Anyone who has any concerns is encouraged to speak to officers on the ground, or call us on 101 or make a report online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.”
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