Appeal for witnesses to Southampton rape

We are appealing for witnesses as part of our investigation into a rape in Southampton this morning.

We were called at 7.07am today (19 February) to Palmerston Park in Southampton to a report that a woman in her late teens had been raped.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody at this time.

Scenes remain in place in the city centre while we gather evidence and conduct enquiries as part of our investigation.

DCI Andrea Douglas is leading the investigation. She said: “We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, but we still want to hear from anyone who may have seen what happened.

“If you were in the vicinity of Palmerston Park between 6.30am and 7.30am and saw anything which could aid our investigation, please get in touch.

“We appreciate this is a worrying incident, and there will be extra patrols in the area as a result. If you see an officer and have any concerns please speak to them.”

Contact us by reporting online via this link or calling 101: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/