Teenage girl ‘raped while walking through downtown park in early morning attack’

A man has been arrested after a young girl was attacked and raped in a public park.

The teenager was attacked and raped in a park in Southampton city center in an early morning incident on Sunday.

The 27-year-old man was arrested after the violent attack and questioned by special investigators and is in custody.

Police were immediately informed of the rape and rushed to Palmerston Park, where the young man is believed to have been arrested.

The force said no one else is being sought in connection with the attack and is asking for witnesses to come forward.

The young woman had been strolling through Palmerston Park in Southampton on Sunday morning when she was attacked

A 27-year-old man has been arrested and is being questioned by special detectives, Hampshire Police confirmed (file image)

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said on Sunday: “We are asking for witnesses as part of our investigation into a rape this morning in Southampton.

“We were called to Palmerston Park, Southampton at 7.07am today to report that a woman in her late teens had been raped.

“A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and is currently in police custody.

“Crime scenes remain in the park where forensic evidence searches are conducted while we collect evidence and conduct investigations as part of our investigation.”

Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Douglas, lead investigator, said: “We are not looking for anyone in connection with this incident, but we still want to hear from anyone who may have seen what happened.

“If you were near Palmerston Park between 6.30am and 7.30am and saw anything that may assist our investigation please get in touch.

“We recognize that this is a worrying incident and as such there will be additional patrols in the area. If you see an officer and have concerns, please speak to them.’