Hampshire Police have launched a manhunt after a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a stranger in woodland in the Swaythling area of Southampton on Sunday afternoon. The attack has prompted a significant police response, with specialist officers supporting the girl and detectives appealing for witnesses as they treat the investigation as a priority.

Officers were called shortly after 3pm following reports of a sexual assault in a wooded area near the Wide Lane roundabout, close to Mansbridge Road. The suspect is described as pale or sandy-skinned, tall and skinny, aged in his 30s or 40s, with blonde, greasy, slicked-back curtain-style hair and a tattoo with writing on one arm. Police are asking anyone who was in the area between 2pm and 3.10pm, particularly drivers with dashcam footage, or who recognises the description, to come forward by calling 101 and quoting reference 44260410740.