A fence will be installed around a newly-refurbished £5m play area where a child was grabbed earlier this week, council bosses have confirmed.

The girl was reportedly approached while playing in Victoria Park in Ashford on Tuesday afternoon.

The youngster was allegedly held by her arms while pictures were taken of her – before her mother intervened.

On Thursday, police confirmed a 16-year-old boy had been arrested in connection with the incident.

The revamped park opened on Saturday and huge crowds gathered to see the new cafe, playground and refurbished nursery.

But after seeing the layout, with a lack of a fence, some residents expressed concerns that it is unsafe for children – with worries heightened by the girl’s ordeal on Tuesday.

Katie Lewis launched a petition, which has gained hundreds of signatures, calling for gates to be installed.

She says it only takes a second for a child to go out of sight and the new area is so large and open, there is no clear view of it all.

“The park is so spread out, it is not a safe environment,” the petition summary says.

“As this is not secure it makes it easier for children to run off.

“Having multiple children on your own at the park is hard anyway, but with multiple exits you do need eyes in the back of your head.

“Gates would make all these risks a lot lower – it takes seconds and they are out of sight.”

She added: “You'd notice a person walking in without children and be able to keep an eye on them if things seem suspicious.

“This also helps parents who have children with additional needs keep their children safe when they have no understanding of danger.”

Ashford Borough Council has now reassured parents that Victoria Park will be fenced off in due course.

In a statement on Facebook, the authority also confirmed there is CCTV in the park.

“We've noticed a few comments regarding play area fencing – the infant playground fencing is due to be installed soon,” the post read.

“Play areas are a fun way of expanding children’s learning and development through stretching their abilities, but they also carry a degree of risk and potential danger.

“As the equipment is intended for a wide variety of ages and abilities, not all equipment will be suitable for everyone. All children should be provided with appropriate adult supervision.

“CCTV is also situated around the park for additional safety.

“It is also worth reminding visitors that fenced-off play areas are for children and, in the interest of safety and hygiene, dogs should be kept on leads in these spaces.”