Police are investigating an alleged sex assault on a 13-year-old girl at a Cliftonville playground - just hours after it opened for the first time.

The teenager's mother contacted Kent Police after her daughter claimed she had been assaulted at the Viking-themed park in Ethelbert Crescent between 8pm and 8.35pm on Friday.

Three young boys - a 12-year-old and two 14-year-olds, all from Margate - were arrested later that evening on suspicion of sexual assault.

They have been bailed, pending further inquiries, until Monday, May 11.

The alleged assault happened on the same day the £240,000 playground - the first dedicated children's park in Cliftonville West - opened to local youngsters.

It features a giant Viking ship with a double-width slide, as well as a Viking figure roundabout, a sand play area and a basket swing.

• Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Steve Chapman at Margate Police Station on 01843 222074 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.