DETECTIVES are hunting a man who sexually assaulted a woman as she walked through a Southampton subway.

The 45-year-old victim was walking through the subway near to the Premier Inn, in New Road, when she stopped for a moment to pick up a gym ball she had dropped.

She was suddenly confronted by a man who sexually assaulted her over her clothing before fleeing when she threatened to call the police.

The man is described as being white, around 6ft tall, with a dark brown buzz cut hairstyle and a pale white complexion. He was wearing grey knee length shorts and a grey t-shirt. He also spoke with a foreign accent.

Fortunately the victim was not injured in the attack but she was left shocked.

Anyone with information about the incident which happened on Saturday, between 3.20pm and 3.40pm, should call PC Joanne Jones at Southampton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.