Police have launched an investigation following the reported rape of a 13-year-old girl in Totton on Friday evening (14 March).
The incident is believed to have taken place between 6:20pm and 8:30pm in a park off Testwood Lane, prompting a swift and visible police response. Officers quickly cordoned off the area as part of their initial enquiries and have been conducting house-to-house visits and reviewing CCTV footage in an effort to piece together a detailed timeline of events.
At this stage, Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed there is no indication that this incident is linked to any other ongoing investigations in the area.
Community Reassurance and Ongoing Enquiries
Detective Inspector Claire Shawley, who is leading the investigation, sought to reassure the local community, stating:
“I know this incident is extremely concerning for the local community, and we are working hard to investigate what has happened as a priority.”
She added that the victim and her family are being offered specialist support, and that uniformed officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team are maintaining a presence in the area to reassure residents and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
“I know at times like this, it is natural for people to want as much information as possible, and we will share more when we can. But I would ask you not to speculate at this time about who may be involved,” DI Shawley said.
Appeal for Information
Police have not yet released a description of a suspect, but investigators are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the area at the time to get in touch.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 44250113588, or submit details via the Hampshire Constabulary website.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
