Ten-year-old girl warned by Kent police that hopscotch lines are 'illegal' and constitute 'criminal damage', claims father
Angry father told local press that officers had frightened his daughter
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A ten-year-old girl from Kent has reportedly been warned by police after drawing a chalk hopscotch grid on the pavement outside her home.
Bob Allen, from Ramsgate, told local press that officers had frightened his daughter when they approached her saying it was 'illegal to draw on the floor' as it was 'criminal damage'.
According to reports the family have made an official complaint to police after the incident which is alleged to have taken place on Monday 6 May.
Mr Allen told the BBC: "They've just gone and said something to her and then just driven off."
"That's not the way for the police to deal with the problem, if there is a problem. And I don't think there is a problem here, so they shouldn't have said anything in the first place."
Kent Police said they have been unable to trace a force vehicle in the area at the time it is claimed the incident happened.
A spokeswoman said: “We are trying to trace the officers who are reported to have made this comment. From the circumstances described, it would not appear to have been necessary to advise the young girl that chalking a hopscotch grid may be criminal damage and illegal.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments