24/08/2026
POLICE APPEAL AFTER 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL R***D IN DAYLIGHT NEAR SWAYTHLING ROUNDABOUT
Hampshire And Iow News
Police have launched an urgent investigation after a 14-year-old girl was r***d by a man she did not know in an area of trees near Swaythling.
Officers were called at around 3.09pm on Sunday, August 23, following a report that the girl had been r***d in an area of trees off the Wide Lane roundabout, close to Mansbridge Road.
Police say the investigation is still in its early stages, with officers carrying out enquiries at the scene and speaking to people in the surrounding area.
Detectives are now appealing for witnesses, CCTV and dash-cam footage, as well as anyone who may have seen a man matching the description of the suspect in the area.
Detailed description of suspect:
Police have been provided with a detailed description of the man they are seeking information about.
He is described as:
Pale or sandy skin
Tall and skinny
Aged in his 30s or 40s
Blonde, greasy, curtain-style hair which was slicked back
A dirty-blonde beard, approximately one inch long
A tattoo on one arm which appeared to be scribbles or writing
Blue skinny jeans
A dark, short-sleeved top which was short at the back
Beige or white plimsoll-style shoes
Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the Wide Lane/Mansbridge Road area between 2pm and 3.10pm on Sunday, August 23.
That includes anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual, noticed a man matching the description, or captured potentially important footage on a dash cam, CCTV or doorbell camera.
Detective Superintendent Ross Toms said the incident had been “understandably very distressing” for the girl, adding that specialist officers are supporting her.
He said police have “significant resources” in the area and are treating the investigation 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,” Detective Superintendent Toms said.
He urged anyone who may have witnessed something, however insignificant it may appear, to come forward.
“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.”
He added that the detailed description could prove particularly important to the investigation.
“If you know someone who matches this description, you have seen this man in the area, or have perhaps captured him on CCTV, Dash Cam or doorbell camera then please contact police immediately.”
Police have stressed that enquiries remain ongoing and officers will continue to work in the Swaythling area as they establish the circumstances surrounding the reported r**e.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 44260410740.
Information can also be submitted online through the police's online reporting service.
People who have information but wish to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its anonymous online reporting service.
Police are asking anyone who was in the area during the relevant time period to consider whether they may have seen something that could assist the investigation — even if they are unsure whether what they witnessed was significant.
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