Appeal launched after college student sexually assaulted in Eastleigh

We are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward after a teenage girl was sexually assaulted in Eastleigh.

The incident occurred between 8.05am and 8.25am yesterday morning – Wednesday 27 April – when the girl was walking alone along Wide Lane and down a dirt footpath in the direction of Barton Peveril College.

It was here that she was approached by an unknown man on a bike – who initially spoke to her – before cycling off.

The teenager then saw the same man cycling along a path in Lakeside Country Park and he approached her close by a gate by the railway track and Ambassador Walk – he has then allegedly sexually assaulted the girl.

She did not suffer any injuries.

The man is described as being white, in his mid 20s, approximately 5ft 10ins tall, skinny build with short brown scruffy hair and patchy stubble. He was seen wearing navy blue cargo-style trousers and a t-shirt while riding a bike.

Detective Constable Rhys McDonnell, said: “We are really keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time that may have seen this man to come forward with any information they may have.

The incident happened in broad daylight in an area which is a common route for college students to walk from the train station towards college, as well as being a regular area for dog walkers. We are hoping that someone saw the incident and is able to come forward with information, no matter how small or insignificant they think it is, which could aid our investigation enquiries.

“Additionally, we would like to hear from anyone who may have driven past at the time of the incident and might have seen the man and have dash-cam footage available.

“We believe this to be an isolated incident, but local Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be conducting high-visibility patrols in the local area.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 44220163965.

Alternatively, you can submit information via the following form: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.