Published: 18:27 BST, 25 August 2026 | Updated: 21:43 BST, 25 August 2026
A man has been arrested after a teenage girl was allegedly raped by a stranger in the woods.
The girl, 14, reported being attacked in Swaythling, Southampton, in broad daylight on Sunday.
Police were called after 3pm on Sunday with reports that a youngster had been sexually assaulted in an area of trees off the Wide Lane roundabout, near Mansbridge Road.
A significant police presence was deployed to the area with uniformed officers and forensic teams seen working around the nearby White Swan pub.
A man, 34, from Southampton, was today arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in custody.
The alleged attacker was previously described as tall and skinny, with pale or sandy skin, blonde greasy curtain-style hair slicked back and a dirty-blonde beard around an inch long.
He was reportedly wearing blue skinny jeans, a dark short-sleeved top which was short at the back and beige or white plimsoll-style shoes.
Police said he also had a tattoo on one arm which appeared to be scribbles or writing.
A girl, 14, reported being attacked in Swaythling, Southampton, in broad daylight last Sunday
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.
'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.'
A Hampshire Police spokesman said: 'As the investigation progresses, officers are still keen to hear from any witnesses who may have key information.
'If you have any information or CCTV footage that could assist our investigation, please call us on 101 quoting reference number 44260410740.'
