E-Fit Released After Man Grabs Girl In Southampton

18 October 2013, 06:52

Southampton Police at Redbridge are seeking the help of local people to identify a man who frightened an 11-year-old girl Monday morning, October 14.

They've now released an e-fit image of their suspect.

The girl was on her way to school at about 8-8.10am. As she walked through Lakelands Park, a man, who appeared to be homeless, grabbed her by both arms and, when she broke free, chased her onto the street. 

Just before his action, he said to her: 

“Why are you in the park on your own? That’s a bad choice.” 

The man is described as white, aged about 46, very tall and very thin.  He has browning grey hair, which is long on top and swept back, and sideburns to the bottom of his ears.
 
He has a sad looking pale oval face with thick eyebrows and a small mouth.  Teeth are missing from either side of the upper and lower front teeth.
 
The man wore a long-sleeved dark turquoise top with rips in the arms, black jogging bottoms and muddy trainers with white edges to the soles.  The trainers had no shoe laces.

PC Dan Turner is appealing for witnesses and information from anyone who recognises the man’s description. 

“At the time of this incident, there would have been dog walkers and other children and their parents in the park, making their way to nearby schools,” he said. 

“The man chased the child out of the park onto Paines Road and then Waterloo Road. This would have been seen by people in the area during this busy school run period.” 

Any witnesses or anyone who can identify the man is asked to contact PC Turner at the Redbridge Police Office on 101.