Man arrested in connection with sexual assault investigation in Portsmouth

Officers investigating the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in Portsmouth have today made an arrest.

Between 10pm and 10.30pm on Sunday 17 July the girl was walking along St Mary’s Road when she was approached by a man unknown to her on the footbridge over the railway tracks, close to the entrance of Kingston Recreation Ground.

The man touched her inappropriately and sexually assaulted her.

The girl is being supported by specialist officers.

We have now arrested a 37-year-old man from Portsmouth on suspicion of sexual assault. He is currently in police custody.

We would still like to hear from anyone who has information that may help our investigation that we haven’t yet spoken to. Were you in the area at the time? Did you see what happened, the moments leading up to it or the aftermath? Or maybe you were driving through the area and have dash cam footage that may help our investigation?

Anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting reference 44220288216. Alternatively, go online and submit information via the following form: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

You can also submit information 100% anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/