OFFICERS are investigating an assault on a woman that took place at Netley Abbey early on Wednesday morning.
Police say the 20 year-old woman was walking along St Mary's Road at around 3.30am when a man she did not know approached her and assaulted her leaving her with scratches and bruising.
During the assault the victim screamed and she said the man tried to remove her trousers.
She managed to struggle free and ran off.
The victim is now recovering at home, say police.
She described the man as white and of stocky build, he was wearing a grey hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms and dark coloured trainers.
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Toby Elcock said: "We haven't received any other similar reports in the area and have been carrying out house to house enquiries. I'm keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the man in the area or what happened.
"If you heard the victim scream please also call us."
Anyone with information that may be relevant to this investigation is asked to contact DI Elcock at Southampton Central Police Station on 101, quoting 44160356227.
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