Man Raped In Southampton

Police are investigating an attack on a 22-year-old man who was raped by a stranger while he was walking along a footpath.

The victim told officers he was sexually assaulted by a man in the area of Old Redbridge Road in Southampton at around 5.30am on Saturday October the 1st.

Minutes later the tattooed attacker ran off into nearby Clover Nook flats, leaving the victim ''upset and shaken''.

Hampshire Police said the scene has been sealed off for forensic examination.

House-to-house inquiries are also taking place as detectives from the force's major crime department appealed for information.

Acting Detective Inspector David Nealon said:

''We would like to thank local residents for their co-operation and reassure them that there have been no other similar reports in the area recently.

''The victim is understandably upset and shaken by what's happened, but has been able to give us an initial description of the suspect.''

The suspect is described as white, 5ft 8ins, with short hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers.

Mr Nealon said he also had a tribal design tattoo.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hampshire Police's major crime department on 0845 045 45 45, quoting Operation Stopford.