Police have launched an urgent investigation after a 14-year-old girl reported being raped by a man she did not know in an area of trees near Swaythling.
Officers were called at around 3.09pm on Sunday, 23 August, following a report that the teenager had been raped in a wooded area off the Wide Lane roundabout, close to Mansbridge Road.
Specialist officers are supporting the girl while detectives carry out enquiries, including speaking with people in the area and reviewing CCTV.
Police have released a detailed description of a man they want to identify. He is described as tall and skinny, aged in his 30s or 40s, with pale or sandy skin.
He reportedly had blonde, greasy curtain-style hair slicked back, a dirty-blonde beard approximately one inch long and a tattoo on one arm which appeared to resemble scribbles or writing.
He was wearing blue skinny jeans, a dark short-sleeved top which was short at the back, and beige or white plimsoll-style shoes.
Detectives particularly want to hear from anyone who was around Wide Lane or Mansbridge Road between 2pm and 3.10pm on Sunday.
Police are asking residents and motorists to check CCTV, doorbell cameras and dash-cam footage which could have captured the man or anything relevant to the investigation.
Detective Superintendent Ross Toms said the incident had been “understandably very distressing” for the girl and confirmed significant police resources were being deployed.
He said:
“If you saw or heard anything in this area between the times stated, no matter how small, your information could be crucial so please contact police.”
He also urged anyone who recognises the description to come forward immediately:
“If you know someone who matches this description, you have seen this man in the area, or have perhaps captured him on CCTV, Dash Cam or doorbell camera then please contact police immediately.”
Officers will remain in the Swaythling area while enquiries continue.
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference 44260410740.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police are urging anyone who was in the area during the relevant period to come forward, even if they are unsure whether what they saw is significant.
