A 34-year-old man has been arrested and released on police bail after a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped in a wooded area of Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
Police from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary were called to the scene off the Wide Lane roundabout, near Mansbridge Road in the Swaythling suburb, at 3.09pm. The suspect, from Southampton, was arrested on suspicion of rape on Tuesday.
Investigation and support
Specialist officers are continuing to support the girl and her family, police said. The reported attack has been described as "very distressing" for the victim.
Investigating officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area on Sunday afternoon. Police will be in the Swaythling area this week to review CCTV footage and speak with local residents.
Police appeal
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: "Police will be in the Swaythling area following up on all available lines of enquiry, speaking to local people and reviewing CCTV. 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 added: "If you have any information or CCTV footage that could help, call 101 quoting reference number 44260410740."
