Appeal for witnesses following sexual assault in Portsmouth

We are appealing for witnesses after a report of a sexual assault in Portsmouth on Sunday evening (November 20).

 

It was reported to us that at approximately 5.45pm, a 19-year-old woman was walking down the alleyway that links Wellington Street and Aldwell Street in the direction of Somers Road.

 

The woman was approximately halfway down the alleyway when she was approached by a man who then touched her inappropriately over her clothing and attempted to pull her to the ground.

 

A second woman who saw what was happening intervened and the man walked away in the direction of Guildhall Square. It’s possible that he turned into the area of Aldwell Street, Lower Forbury Road, River Street or Sedgley Close.   

 

The woman was not injured and is being supported.

 

Since this incident was reported to us we have been conducting enquiries to locate the man involved. We will continue with our enquiries but are now turning to the public for assistance.

 

The man involved is described as:

 

• White
• Aged in his 40s/50s
• Of larger build, overweight
• 5ft 8in tall
• Short grey hair, slightly balding
• Grey stubble
• Wearing a grey hoody with the hood up.

 

We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened.

 

Do you recognise the above description? Did you see anyone in the area matching this description?

 

Were you the woman who intervened or do you know who this was?

 

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting 44220471727. Alternatively, go online and submit information via https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

 

We are not treating this incident as linked to any others at the current time.