Inquiry Into Serious Sex Assault On A Man

Detectives in Southampton are investigating a serious sex attack and robbery on a man.

The 22-year-old man was walking home along Portsmouth Road, Sholing in the direction of Bursledon at around 3am on Saturday April 21st.

As he neared the Vospers sports ground he was confronted by his assailant who initially assaulted him and stole his mobile phone.

He was subsequently led into nearby woodland (opposite Veal’s store), where he was subjected to a serious sexual assault. He suffered facial injuries in the attack.

Police say the attacker was a white man, aged in his early 20’s with a local accent, around 5ft 8 inches tall and of skinny build with a skinny face. He had stubble on his face and shaped eyebrows which looked like they may have been plucked.

He also wore a navy or black ’hoody’ with stripes on the sleeves and it’s also thought he may have been riding a BMX style bike with distinctive pegs protruding from the rear axle and slightly larger wheels than normal.

Detective Inspector Dave Morgan who is leading the investigation said:

"This was a nasty attack on a young man who was just walking home from a friend’s house.

"I’m appealing for the local community to help us find the person responsible for this attack.

"We know this is a popular route for people returning home after a night out and as a main road used by others too. From our enquiries we are aware there were quite a few people on foot and in cars in the area around the time the attack happened.

"I’d like these people to think about if they saw or heard anything of note between 2.30am and 4am.

"If so please get in contact with my team as we want to find the man responsible as soon as possible and bring him to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Western Area CID Team at Southampton Central Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.