At some time between 1:20am and 2:05am a 22 year-old woman was raped on the footbridge that crosses over Western Way, close to Fareham train station.

She reported that after she had left the Slug and Lettuce at around 1am she walked along West Street when a man unknown to her approached her. He then threatened and attacked her on the footbridge, close to Fareham train station.

Specialist officers are continuing to support the victim.

The man is described as:

• White

• Aged between 20s & 40s

• Approximately 5ft 11ins tall

• Slim build

• He had a full beard that was blond / grey in colour

• Medium length hair

As part of our investigation we are urging the public to please report any sightings of a man acting suspiciously between midnight and 3am that morning, in the area of the town centre near to the train station.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Wood from Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Amberstone team said: “We take these types of reports very seriously and over the past three days a significant number of officers have been conducting enquiries in the area and reviewing CCTV.

“They’ve been working alongside our Neighbourhood Policing Team officers who have been carrying out regular patrols and speaking to residents and shoppers in the town centre. You can expect to see a heightened police presence in the town, around the train station and near to the A27 today.

“We are building a picture of the events leading up to this incident, and the circumstances of the incident itself, but we’re not yet in a position to release a CCTV or E-fit image of a suspect. There are a number of active lines of enquiry that we are following at the current time and the public will be informed of any significant developments or further appeals for information.

“You will notice some small changes to timings and the descriptions when compared to our last appeal – this is as a result of further enquiries narrowing the finer details down.

“I’d urge anyone who was in the town centre between midnight and 3am, in particular in the train station end of town, and who may have seen someone matching the above description or acting suspiciously to contact us immediately. We also want to hear from anyone who may have relevant Dash Cam footage that may have captured someone acting suspiciously in this area.”

Anyone with any information should call us on 101 quoting 44220109191 (Operation Formation).

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at https://orlo.uk/FmEqF