A large area of Leigh Park in Havant has been cordoned off for a search after a woman was sexually assaulted.
Sometime between 10pm and 10.45pm on Thursday, November 17 a 17-year-old woman was walking home from Havant town centre through a wooded area between Battens Way, Stockheath Road and Petersfield Road from a friend’s house when she was grabbed by a white man dressed in dark clothing and sexually assaulted.
The man was last seen walking off towards Battens Way from the woods. It is unclear how long the man had been in the wooded area and police are very keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously entering the woods during last evening.
The 17-year-old left the woods and raised the alarm by calling the police on her mobile phone.
The area has been cordoned off for a crime scene examination.
Leigh Park Inspector Debbie Masson said: "We understand people will be worried about reports of an offence of this nature. We will be increasing patrols in the area over the weekend and our teams will be on hand to answer any questions the community has and offer reassurance. Serious offences like this are not common in this area and at this stage we are not linking it to any other incidents. You may see increased police presence in the area over the next few days as we step up patrols and continue to investigate this crime. If anyone has any information they can either speak to a local officer or call Waterlooville CID on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterlooville CID on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 0845 045 45 45. To contact an officer please use our Contact an Officer Form
