A man has been charged with engaging in sexual communication with a child and racially aggravated public disorder.

Dean Lawson, 49, of no fixed address, appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Lawson was remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Crown Court on Friday, May 9.

It follows reports of a man making "inappropriate comments" to a group of teenagers in the centre of West End.

Police are carrying out "reassurance patrols" in the area and say these will continue for several days.

Posting on social media, Hedge End Police said: "The charges follow reports of a man making inappropriate comments towards a group of teenagers on High Street, West End, at 8pm on Monday, April 7.

"Local officers, who acted swiftly following the reports, have been carrying out high visibility reassurance patrols in the area. These will continue over the coming days."