A TEENAGER was sexually assaulted as she walked home from a party in Southampton.

The attacker grabbed the 17 year old by the shoulders, forced her into a wooded area and sexually assaulted her.

The victim, who is black, managed to get away and made her way home.

It happened as she walked along South East Road near to the junction with Sunvale in Sholing at about 5am today.

The attacker was a white man, aged about 40, and between 5ft 7in and 5ft 9in. He had short blond hair and was wearing a blue t-shirt, jeans and a black jacket.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward.

Detective Constable Darmesh Dhanda said: “Were you in the area in the early hours of this morning? Did you see a man approaching a black teenage girl early this morning? Did you hear any shouting?”

Anyone with any information should contact Det Con Dhanda at Bitterne CID on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.