POLICE are hunting a sex attacker who struck on Southampton Common.

The victim, a 22-year-old local man, was walking along The Avenue after a night out when he heard crying coming from the parking area in Cemetery Road.

Moments later he was pulled into bushes and subjected to a serious sexual assault at around 3.45am on Saturday October 5.

Although the attack took place more than a week ago, it has only just been reported to police.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s.

Detective Inspector Charlie Rimmer, from Southampton Central CID, said: “We would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incident.

“We do not believe this incident is related to other serious sexual assaults in Southampton parks recently, and are treating this as an isolated incident.”

Anyone with information should call Southampton Central CID quoting Operation Key on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.