Police have launched an urgent appeal after a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in an underpass in Southampton.
Hampshire Police say the incident happened at around 1:10pm near Bitterne Library, when the victim was approached by a man who allegedly asked her inappropriate questions before pulling her down a flight of stairs into the subway underpass.
According to officers, the man touched her inappropriately on the upper half of her body over her clothing before fleeing when members of the public entered from the opposite side.
Suspect description
The suspect is described as:
- South Asian in appearance
- Slim build
- Black hair and black beard
- Around 5ft 4in tall
Police appeal
Detectives are urging anyone who may have seen the incident, the suspect, or who has relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
“This was a disturbing incident in the middle of the day and we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest the suspect. If you were in the area or have information, please contact us immediately,” a Hampshire Police spokesperson said.
Anyone with information can call Hampshire Police on 101 quoting the reference provided for this investigation, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
