AN INVESTIGATION is underway after a woman reported being raped in a Southampton park in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

According to Hampshire police the victim, a 32-year-old woman, told police she had been subjected to a serious sexual assault after being attacked in a park in the Northam area of the city.

It is understood she was approached by a stranger as she walked home from celebrating the New Year who then dragged her into the park and subjected her to a terrifying sexual assault.

The victim was able to raise the alarm shortly before 3am when after she asked a passer-by for help who then dialled 999.

Police were first on the scene before then calling paramedics to help treat the woman.

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to the park off Northam Road at 3.09am yesterday in response to reports of a woman in her thirties being assaulted.

After initial assessment she was taken by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital for further treatment, the spokesman added.

A major investigation was launched with officers sealing off the park on the corner of Northam Road and Summers Street and which slopes down to the River Itchen by Northam Bridge.

Officers spent yesterday conducting a number of enquiries in the area.

Tape remained around the sealed off park, which included a children’s play area, throughout yesterday so forensic teams could examine scene where the alleged attack took place.

Hampshire police are now appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time to contact them or who has any information that could help the investigation.

Anyone with information can contact Hampshire police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.