Bizarre Attack On Elderly Woman

Police in Southampton are appealing for information after an 83-year-old woman was assaulted in Southampton as she walked her three small dogs.

The pensioner, who uses a small walking frame to support herself, was on the grass area by Old Mill Way by Shirley Pond shortly after 7pm on Saturday, July 2, when a youth held open a gate for her.

She thanked him as she walked through but moments later the same youth approached her from behind and tried to pull her trousers down. She shouted at him and he let go of her and ran off causing her to fall to the ground.

The fall left her bruised and with a cut to her arm however with the aid of her frame she managed to get up and alert a passer-by who contacted police.

The victim describes the boy as white, with short dark hair and around 5ft 9 inches tall, wearing a yellow t-shirt with dark writing on the front and blue jeans. He was aged around 15 and smelt as though he had been drinking alcohol.

Detective Constable Simon Driver from Bitterne CID said:

“This was an unusual attack on a vulnerable lady who was just walking her dogs. We’re not sure what the motive was for this attack.

"It could be anything from an ill thought out teenage prank to something more sinister and we’d like to find the person responsible as soon as possible.

“I’m appealing for any one within the park area between the relevant times, particularly in the area near to Brunswick Place, to come forward if they saw the attack take place or thinks they saw they boy possibly with a larger group.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone else who may have information about who the youth may be.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Driver at Bitterne CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.