Police charge man in Harlow baby dummy investigation

Dummies were removed from babies' mouths during the incidents, police said

Police investigating reports of dummies being taken from babies' mouths have charged a man.

Essex Police said pacifiers were taken from them in Harlow on four occasions between 10 February and 7 August.

A man, aged 23, has been charged with five counts of theft, three counts of common assault and a public order offence.

He is expected to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The alleged incidents were reported in the Staple Tye Shopping Centre, Woodcroft, Parsloe Road and Cooks Spinney areas.

Det Ch Insp Alan Blakesley said: "We know these incidents rightly caused concern amongst the community in Harlow.

"I would like to thank the multitude of people who shared our appeals and came forward with information to assist us with our inquiries."