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Witness appeal after woman sexual assaulted in a Southampton park

Press Releases

Published: 02/09/2008


Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a 19-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Watts Park, Southampton during the early hours of Saturday, August 30.

A man approached the woman in the park sometime between 1.30am and 2.30am and asked her for a cigarette. He then sexually assaulted her before running off.

The man is described as black and around 5ft 10inches tall.

It is thought someone may have disturbed the man during the attack and officers are now asking for that person to come forward and contact them.

They’d also like to hear from anyone else who may have seen the attack or the man approach the woman.

A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the sexual assault and has since been released on bail until Monday, October 20.

Police also want to trace a woman who it’s thought may have been the victim of another separate incident. It’s believed to have happened in Palmerston Park sometime between 3am and 3.40am on Sunday, August 31.

Officers have received reports from witnesses about the incident but the woman herself hasn’t come forward.

Detectives are now asking for her to contact them so they can further investigate what happened.

Detective Constable Gary Steward said: “When these type of attacks do happen we take them very seriously and I would appeal for anyone with information about either incident to contact me at Shirley Police Station on 0845 045 45 45 or call Crimestoppers, the charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Though most people enjoy a night out in Southampton without any problems I’d like to offer this general advice about how they can minimise any risk: People should stick to well lit routes and either walk with friends, or where there are lots of other people around.

“It is also a good idea for people to moderate the amount of alcohol they drink as this will help them to be more alert to what is going on around them and they are then less likely to become a victim.”


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