Hampshire Police have launched a manhunt following the rape of a 14-year-old girl by an unknown man in a wooded area in Southampton.
Officers were called shortly after 3pm on Sunday to reports that the teenager had been sexually assaulted in trees off the Wide Lane roundabout, near Mansbridge Road in the Swaythling suburb.
Detectives have released a detailed description of the suspect, who is described as having pale or sandy skin. He is tall, skinny, and believed to be in his 30s or 40s.
The man also has blonde, greasy curtain-style hair slicked back, and a tattoo containing writing on one of his arms.
Police appeal for dashcam footage
Investigating officers are urging anyone who was driving past the roundabout between 2pm and 3.10pm on Sunday with a dashcam to check their footage. They are also appealing to anyone who heard or saw anything unusual in the area during that time window.
Detective Superintendent Ross Toms said: "This incident was understandably very distressing for the girl involved. Our specialist officers are supporting her while we have significant resources in the area thoroughly investigating this incident as a priority."
He added that officers would remain in Swaythling to conduct door-to-door enquiries, speak with local residents, and review security recordings.
"Police will be in the Swaythling area following up on all available lines of enquiry, speaking to local people and reviewing CCTV," Detective Superintendent Toms said.
Investigation underway in Swaythling
Swaythling is a northern suburb of Southampton situated near the River Itchen and major regional transport routes. Southampton is a port city located in Hampshire on the southern coast of England.
Detective Superintendent Toms urged anyone who recognises the description or has relevant footage from doorbell cameras, dashcams, or CCTV to step forward immediately.
"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 said.
"We have been provided with a very detailed description of the man. 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."
Hampshire Police asked anyone with information to contact officers on 101, the non-emergency telephone number for police forces in the UK, quoting reference 44260410740.
