Southampton Rape: Police Patrols In Search For Witnesses

9 July 2014, 06:28 | Updated: 9 July 2014, 06:33

Police investigating a rape in Southampton have been back where it happened early this morning (Wednesday 9 July) trying to find possible witnesses.

In the early hours of Wednesday 2 July, a woman was raped on Merryoak Road in Bitterne. She was also threatened with the use of a weapon, although she did not see one.
 
The 29-year-old woman has been interviewed at length by specially trained officers.

Officers have also been examining CCTV and have been able to pinpoint the time of the attack to a nine-minute window between 2.16am and 2.25am.


 
A dark coloured saloon vehicle was seen driving past the scene shortly afterwards and a man and a woman were also seen to be having a heated discussion in the area at around 2.30am. Officers are still keen to identify these people and the occupants of the vehicle as they may be key witnesses and could have seen the offender leaving the area.
 
Detective Inspector, Jim Park said:

"Officers patrolled Merryoak Road in order to speak to pedestrians and motorists who may have been in the area at a similar time last week.

"We're especially keen to speak to any shift workers who may use this as their route to or from work and who may have seen something that could help our investigation."

DI Park said nothing of significance has been found as it is a quiet, mainly residential area with not many people around - but they are investigating several other lines of inquiry.

Anyone who may have more information is asked to contact DI Jim Park at Southampton Central Police station on 101 quoting Operation Imogen or via the website: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/do-it-online/online-forms/message-for-officer.html

You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.

Minicom users should call 01962 875000.