A TEENAGE boy from south Hampshire has been sexually assaulted by a passenger onboard a cruise ship, it is claimed.

Police are investigating the incident with a man arrested following him being confined to his cabin by security.

The schoolboy was allegedly assaulted in Turkish waters while on holiday.

His mother told the Echo: "This is an extremely distressing time for (my son) and for us as a family."

She added: "The ordeal started when my son was followed around the pool deck, approached by the man, followed again and sexually abused on two occasions in the jacuzzi.

READ MORE: Woman arrested after Eastleigh railway trespassing incident

"We immediately reported to the ship’s security team, who then escalated to the Turkish police with whom we spent eight hours."

She said he has been arrested and taken to court.

She added: "The security team on board the cruise immediately put the man under surveillance and forbade him from leaving the ship until the police were able to arrive.

"(My son) was offered medical assistance as well."

She said her son was taken to a local hospital to be reviewed by a doctor, and then they were able to get a lawyer - but he did not speak English.

"They arrested the man in Istanbul," she added.

The arrested man was released under investigation and allowed to fly back to his home country, she said.

The family is being supported by the British High Commission in Istanbul and the Vice Consul.

A spokesperson from the cruise operator, which the Echo is not naming, said: "We are aware of a recent incident on board.

"The safety and security of our guests is paramount, and we have provided support to the family, but we are unable to comment further on an ongoing investigation."

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British child following an incident in Turkey and are working with the local authorities.”

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