Urgent manhunt after teenage lady, 15, is raped lower than a mile from the place one other sufferer, 13, was attacked in house of two weeks
A manhunt is underway after a 15-year-old girl was reportedly raped less than half a mile from where another girl was attacked two weeks later.
The first girl is believed to have been raped in the Beaumont Road area of Totton, near Southampton, on March 1 at around 8.30pm.
Two weeks later, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly attacked in a park near Testwood Lane, a five-minute walk away, between 6.20pm and 8.30pm on March 14.
Detectives say the girl was raped and left in a park behind the town’s war memorial.
Hampshire Police ruled out that the two incidents are connected but released information about a man officers would like to speak to regarding the first incident.
He is described as being white, in his early 20s, with brown hair, a large nose and a spotty face.
Over the weekend, a team of detectives conducted house-to-house enquiries and spoke with local businesses in a search for CCTV to help piece together a timeline of events.
Officers from the force’s neighbourhood policing team were also on patrol.
Detectives say a 13-year-old girl was raped and left in a park behind Totton’s war memorial
The Beaumont Road area of Totton where police received reports of a 15-year-old being raped
Hampshire Police has ruled out that the two incidents are connected. Pictured: Police scene at Testwood Lane Park
Lead investigator, Detective Inspector Claire Shawley, said: ‘At this time, we do not believe the two incidents are linked, based on the events reported to us by the victims.
‘We’d continue to ask the public to not speculate regarding either incident, but to instead share any information with us directly.
‘We will share further updates with you on the investigations when we are able to do so.’
She urged anyone with information or CCTV for either incidents to come forward.
‘We fully understand the concerns within the local community regarding this incident,’ DI Shawley added.
‘I’d like to reassure you all that we are working extremely hard to progress our investigation into this incident, and specialist officers continue to support the victim.
‘Do you recall seeing anything suspicious in the area at the time? Do you recall seeing anyone matching the above description?
‘Do you have any footage which may assist in our investigation, including dash cam, doorbell camera, mobile phone, or any other CCTV? Please get in touch with us if you can help.’
