CCTV released after girl, 17, attacked with hammer in Portsmouth

The teenager is in a serious but stable condition following the attack in a home in Shearer Road, Fratton, on Monday.

Now detectives want to find a man who was seen running across Shearer Road into Beecham Road past the Shearer Arms pub at 7pm.

Detective Inspector Liam Davies said: ‘We are releasing an image of this man in the hope of speaking to him, as he may be able to assist our enquiries.

‘This image is not of the best quality, but indicates where he was and which direction he was walking in. We are treating this as an isolated incident at this time.

‘A number of active lines of enquiry are being followed, but I’d urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between 4pm and 7.30pm to contact us.’

There have been calls for unity following the attack. No arrests have been made.

Police were called just before 7pm after the girl had been assaulted with a weapon, leaving her with a serious head injury.

She was taken to Southampton General Hospital.

The man shown in the CCTV image is:

• White

• Small/Medium build.

• 5ft 5ins tall.

• He has short light brown hair and a short beard.

• He was wearing a brown coat, jeans, and light coloured trainers.

Superintendent Will Schofield, Portsmouth’s top cop, said: ‘Officers from across the city and other areas of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are working tirelessly to progress this investigation to secure justice for the victim.

‘This is a shocking incident, but I’d like to re-assure the local community that we are actively patrolling the area and these officers are happy to address any concerns that you may have if you speak to them.’

Call 101 quoting Operation Gather 44160137858.