A middle-aged man has been detained by police in a township in Chaozhou, Guangdong province, for allegedly hugging an unfamiliar little girl in a park, according to a notice from local authorities on Sunday.

The man, surnamed Xiong, 44, was seen hugging the girl who was playing in a park in Caitang township at around 6 pm on Friday. He was stopped by the public and subsequently taken into custody by the police.

According to the statement, local authorities provided psychological counseling and other support for the girl. Efforts to enhance security in public places within the area have been intensified, and the case is under further investigation.