A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of rape and attempted murder after a woman was seriously assaulted at a Southampton train station.

The attack took place shortly after 12am on Friday in the car park of St Denys train station, Portswood, where the woman was seriously assaulted by a man who then fled in a car.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and attempted murder after officers from Hampshire Constabulary stopped a car near the station at 1.20am.

Officers have now launched an appeal for information.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Gary Richardson said: “This was a violent assault and a number of specially trained officers are now providing support to the victim.  

“I would be very keen to speak with anyone who may have heard or saw anything suspicious around the time of this incident. I am conscious that a number of properties back onto this station car park so I would be keen to hear from residents.

“If you have any information or witnessed what happened then please get in touch as soon as possible. Your information could prove vital in our investigation. 

"Serious sexual assaults such as this are very rare, however when they do occur we will stop at nothing to identify and prosecute offenders.

"Officers will be in the area today and over the coming days, so please do speak to them if you need to talk to anyone.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 21 of 23/06/2017.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.