THE hunt is on to find a local hero that stopped a teenage girl from being assaulted.

The 17-year-old was walking along White’s Road, Bitterne, in the direction of Bursledon Road, when she was physically assaulted by an unknown man.

At this point another man shouted at the attacker to stop, causing him to run off in the direction of Deacon Road.

The incident, which left the girl with minor bruising, happened between noon and 12.30pm on January 11.

The man who assaulted her is described as being white, aged in his late 40’s, tall, with greyish/brown hair and thick eyebrows. He was wearing a black jacket.

Now Hampshire Police are trying to track down the girl's attacker as well as her saviour.

PC Sarah Miller said: “We are particularly keen to speak to the man who shouted out and helped stop the assault.

“We believe he may have information which could assist our investigation, so if this was you, please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Miller on 101, quoting 44170012729, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.