A MAN has been arrested by detectives hunting a New Years Day rapist who struck in a Southampton park.

The 22-year-old is being held in custody this afternoon after being arrested this morning in the city.

As previously reported by police, the 32-year-old victim was walking home from New Year celebrations when she was grabbed and dragged into a park in the Northam area of the city.

She managed to raise the alarm through passers-by around 3am and was treated by paramedics before being taken to Southampton General Hospital.

Despite being left traumatised by the terrifying attack which happened close to Union Road and Northam Road, she was able to provide a description to detectives leading the hunt for the attacker.

He was white, in his 20s, between 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with long mousey brown hair and spoke in a foreign language.

Officers from Southampton CID are working on the investigation and have renewed their appeal for information from witnesses who have not yet spoken to police.

In particular they are keen to talk to anyone who saw the victim, who was pushing and at times riding a distinctive pink bike as she made her way home.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Inspector Jim Park at Southampton CID on 101.