Poilce patrols have been stepped up after a woman was attacked and raped in Southampton woodland

Officers hunting the rapist who attacked the woman revisiedt the scene exactly a week after the attack happened.

Officers patrolled Merryoak Road in Bitterne in the early hours of today in the hope of finding witnesses who could help their inquiries.

The victim has told specially trained officers that she was also threatened with the use of a weapon, although she did not see one.

Following CCTV enquiries officers have identified that the attack happened between 2.16am and 2.25am on Wednesday, July 2.

A dark coloured saloon vehicle was seen driving past the scene shortly afterwards and a man and a woman were also seen to be having a heated discussion in the area at around 2.30am.

Officers are still keen to identify these people and the occupants of the vehicle as they may be key witnesses and could have seen the offender leaving the area.

Detective Inspector, Jim Park said: “We're especially keen to speak to any shift workers who may use this as their route to or from work and who may have seen something that could help our investigation.”

Anyone who may have more information is asked to contact DI Jim Park at Southampton Central Police station on 101 quoting Operation Imogen or via the website.

You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.