POLICE have stepped up their investigation after a woman was reported to have been sexually assault on a bus.

Officers say a man has come forward and is helping them with their enquiries after the alleged attack, which was said to have happened on a red number three First Bus journey.

The vehicle was between Shirley Road and Poundtree Road when the 22-year-old was assaulted at about 6.30pm on Wednesday, January 27.

First Buses say the company has spoken with police and it insists that the safety of people using its vehicles is of the “utmost importance”.

Police Constable Amanda Shearsby from the Western Investigations Team said: “I am appealing directly to any passengers that were on this bus at the time of the assault to come forward and make contact.

“I am also appealing for witnesses who may have been in the Shirley Road area between 5.30pm and 6.30pm or the Poundtree Road area between 6.30pm and 7pm on Wednesday, January 27.”

Chrissie Bainbridge, general manager of First Southampton, said: “The safety of our customers and staff is of utmost importance to us. We have been in contact with the police on this matter and continue to offer every assistance we can in support of their investigations.”

Anyone with information can contact Hampshire Police by dialling 101 and quoting reference number 44160041855 or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.