Police arrest man after woman raped at popular green space
Police have been carrying out reassurance patrols
Police have arrested a man after a woman in her 30s was raped at a popular green space.
The 42-year-old was arrested on Sunday (8 November) on suspicion of rape following the incident on Southampton Common, near Cemetery Road. He remains in police custody at this time.
The incident occurred shortly after 5.30am on Saturday (7 November) and an investigation was immediately launched.
Police said: “Since the incident was first reported to us, officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries and reassurance patrols in the Southampton Common and surrounding areas, and they continue to do so.
“A scene was in place at the location, whilst forensic work and other enquiries were conducted, but this has now been lifted.
“The victim continues to be supported by specialist officers from our Operation Amberstone (rape and serious sexual offences) team, and we continue to have significant resources deployed to the investigation.
“Officers from our local Neighbourhood Policing Team have today again been carrying out reassurance patrols in the area concerned. Please do come and speak to them if you have any information about the incident, any concerns, or any questions you wish to ask. They will be happy to hear from you and offer further reassurance and advice.”
Acting Detective Inspector, Graham Slack, said: “Since this incident was first reported to us, our teams, detectives and officers have been working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
"The arrest is a significant and important development in our investigation, but our work does not end here. Whilst the arrested man is in our custody and being interviewed in connection with the incident, our other investigative work and enquiries continue, including further house-to-house visits, speaking to people in the local area, and reviewing CCTV and other footage.
"This was an extremely distressing incident for the woman involved and our specialist officers are continuing to support her. She has been updated on the details of the arrest.”
Detectives continue to appeal for information in relation to the incident. Acting DI Slack, said: "If you saw or heard anything in the area of the incident yesterday morning, no matter how small you believe this to be, your information could be crucial to our investigation, so please contact us.
"We understand the concern that this incident will also cause to those who live in the area, as well as the wider community. If you have concerns or questions, please get in touch with us.
"I would also like to thank our communities in the area of the incident for all their support, information and cooperation in our investigation to date."
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call 101 and quote incident number 44260545717.
Police want to hear from anyone in the area at the time of the incident, witnessed anything suspicious, or has any footage that may assist the investigation, including mobile phone, dash cam, doorbell camera, or any other CCTV.
As well as 101, you can also report online, via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, below:
Alternatively, you can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.