POLICE are investigating a “suspicious incident” in which it was reported an unknown woman approached a toddler at a council-owned country park in East Dorset.

Concerns were raised to Dorset Police after reports of the incident at Avon Heath Country Park in St Ives on Wednesday afternoon.

A post on Facebook relating to the event sparked a large response, including more than 12,000 shares and 1,000 comments.

Dorset Police confirmed they had received a report relating to the matter on the Dorset Council site.

The force said they are currently treating it as a “suspicious incident” and they will not be in a position to specify a nature of any offences being investigated until further inquiries had been carried out.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 3.10pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 to reports that a woman had approached a three-and-a-half-year-old boy at Avon Heath Country Park off Birch Road in St Ives.

“The incident is said to have occurred at 2.20pm. The boy’s parent informed staff at the park and then contacted Dorset Police.

“An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the incident and officers are making attempts to speak to the child, his parents and any known witnesses.”

Councillor Ray Bryan, who represents St Ives and is Dorset Council portfolio holder responsible for Avon Heath County Park, said: “As soon as I heard about this I made numerous calls and emails to make sure we have a process in place to deal with incidents like this, which we do.

“I am keen to find out where there are any CCTV cameras. I believe police have a photograph.

“I want to make sure, where possible, we play our part in assisting in apprehending anyone responsible should it be proven that they were doing something wrong, which I understand is the case. I shall be doing everything I can to help police resolve this issue.”