Fareham man arrested after woman sexually assaulted by predator who 'smelt strongly of body odour' in broad daylight in Victoria Park, Portsmouth

The victim, 20, was walking through Victoria Park on Friday afternoon when a man snuck up behind her.

She was dragged to the ground by her clothing and indecently assaulted, at 1.40pm.

After being indecently touched by the man, she managed to escape and run away.

She is now being supported by specialist officers.

Hampshire Constabulary have arrested a man from Fareham, 57, connected to the attack.

A statement said: ‘We have now arrested a 57-year-old man from Fareham on suspicion of sexual assault. He has been released from police custody but remains under investigation while our enquiries continue.

‘We would still like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the park or nearby at around the time specified above or anyone who witnessed the incident.

‘Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 44220378047.’

Officers had launched an investigation once they heard about the assault.

The victim was able to give a brief description of the man.

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As previously reported in The News, a spokesman said: ‘She did not see the person but thinks they were a man and says they smelt strongly of body odour.’

Increased patrols around Victoria Park were put in place over the weekend.

The Hampshire police spokesman added that they believe the sexual assault was an isolated incident.

Information on existing cases can be reported to the police via an online form, accessible via their website.