Police have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses after a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in broad daylight near a Southampton library on Wednesday afternoon.
Hampshire Police said the teenager was approached by a man on Dean Road, near Bitterne Library, at approximately 1:10pm before being forcibly pulled down a flight of stairs into a subway underpass. The suspect asked the victim “inappropriate questions” before dragging her into the underpass where he proceeded to touch her inappropriately on the upper half of her body over her clothing.
The assault was interrupted when members of the public entered the subway from the opposite direction, causing the attacker to flee the scene. Police are now urgently appealing for those witnesses to come forward as they may hold vital information about the incident.
Officers have released a detailed description of the suspect, who is described as South Asian in appearance, of skinny build, with black hair and a black beard. He is approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and was wearing a white t-shirt at the time of the attack.
“We are urging anyone who may have entered the subway at this time to come forward,” a Hampshire Police spokesperson said. “Officers are currently conducting enquiries in the area, including scoping for CCTV.”
The force has deployed additional officers to the Bitterne area to conduct investigations and provide reassurance to the local community following the disturbing daylight attack. Detectives are particularly keen to trace anyone who was in the vicinity of Bitterne Library or the Dean Road underpass between 1pm and 1:30pm on Wednesday.
Police are also appealing to motorists and residents in the area who may have captured relevant footage. “We’re asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have relevant dashcam or Ring doorbell footage from the area around that time, to contact police,” the spokesperson added.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in the area, particularly given the brazen nature of the attack occurring in broad daylight near a busy public facility. Bitterne Library is located on Bitterne Road East, a main thoroughfare in the eastern suburbs of Southampton.
Local residents have expressed shock at the incident. The underpass, which provides pedestrian access beneath the busy road, is regularly used by students and families visiting the library and nearby shops.
Hampshire Police have increased patrols in the area and are working with Southampton City Council to review safety measures around the underpass. Officers are also liaising with nearby businesses to obtain any additional CCTV footage that might assist the investigation.
The victim is being supported by specialist officers trained in dealing with sexual offences. Police have emphasised the importance of witnesses coming forward, stressing that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial to the investigation.
This incident comes amid ongoing concerns about women’s safety in public spaces across the UK. Hampshire Constabulary has been working on initiatives to tackle male violence against women and girls, making this latest attack particularly concerning for local authorities.
Detective Inspector Sarah Johnson, leading the investigation, said: “This was a frightening ordeal for a young woman in broad daylight. We are doing everything we can to identify and locate the suspect.”
“I would particularly appeal to the members of the public who entered the underpass and caused the suspect to flee. Your testimony could be vital in bringing this individual to justice,” she added.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Hampshire Police on 101, quoting reference 44250353572. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police have advised members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately. Additional safety advice includes staying in well-lit areas, being aware of surroundings, and trusting instincts if something feels wrong.
The investigation remains ongoing, with forensic teams examining the scene and detectives following up on initial enquiries. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the suspect may have targeted other victims and are urging anyone with similar experiences to come forward.
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