A St Catherine man who reportedly molested a boy who was left in his care had to rescued by the police after he was attacked by angry residents.

The man who was employed as a racehorse groom and residing in Portmore, St Catherine, received the beating after he was accused of molesting the seven-year-old.

The Star was informed that on May 2 the child's relative left him in the care of the groom. He is said to have held the little boy and indecently assaulted him.

It was revealed that the relative came back and observed strange behaviour on the part of the child. The suspect was approached and he reportedly denied the criminal act.

Residents of the community got wind of the situation and the horseman was then set upon, beaten and chopped by an angry mob.

He is said to have ran into the arms of the police who came and rescued him. He was taken to the Portmore Police Station.

He was subsequently charged with indecent assault. He is to appear in court later to answer to the charges.