Pensioner ‘very distressed’ after stranger kisses her on the cheek in Derbyshire

The woman, who is in her 70s, helped men in a lorry ensure their vehicle did not hit a low bridge in Dale Road, Matlock, sometime between noon and 4pm on April 28.

MORE: Covidiots have been flouting social distancing rules and using Derbyshire streets as TOILETS

One of the men left the lorry, thanked the woman and kissed her on the cheek.

A Derbyshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “The incident left the woman very distressed, especially at a time when close contact with strangers is to be avoided.

“She reported it to us and in law it falls under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

“We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously and it is our duty to investigate, with the victim’s welfare at heart.”

On Saturday, the force posted an appeal about the incident on social media.

The appeal was widely ridiculed, with one Twitter user claiming: “Giving someone a kiss on the cheek isn’t a crime nor is it sexual assault.”

It was subsequently removed.

The force spokesperson added: “The post drew a significant number of comments that were counterproductive to the nature of the appeal and, as a result, the decision was made to remove it.

“People with information can still get in touch.”

Officers want to speak to anyone who was in the area at time and may be able to help with their enquiries into the incident.

Anyone with any information should call Derbyshire Constabulary on 101 or online, including reference 20000218149 in any correspondence.

MORE: Chesterfield Royal Hospital statements about coronavirus deaths