Police investigate rape of girl, 14, in wooded area

Police have set up a cordon in a wooded area after a 14-year-old girl reported being raped by a man she did not know.

The girl reported the attack happened in an area of trees off the Wide Lane roundabout, near Mansbridge Road in Southampton, shortly before 15:10 BST on Sunday. She is being supported by specialist officers.

Hampshire police said the man, aged in his 30s or 40s was reported to be tall, skinny, with slicked back blonde, greasy "curtain-style" hair with inch-long beard hair, pale/sandy skin and an arm tattoo that looks like writing.

The force is urging anyone who recognises the description or has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the area at the time to come forward.

Det Supt Ross Toms said the "very detailed description of the man" described his clothes as blue skinny jeans, a dark short-sleeved top that was short at the back and beige or white plimsoll-style shoes.

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.

"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."

The force said said officers would be in Swaythling speaking to residents and checking CCTV footage.