RESIDENTS are urged to be alert after a woman was raped in a “terrifying experience” in a Southampton street.

Police are urging people in the city not to walk home on their own, to stick to busy well-lit areas, or get a taxi or a lift with a friends after the woman, who is in her 20s, was attacked behind a tattoo parlour in Shirley.

The woman was riding her bike on Howards Grove when she was approached by another man on a mountain bike wearing a black record-style bag.

The man, described as being in his early 20s, white and having a local accent, then raped the woman in the alleyway behind Guys and Dolls Tattoo and Piercing Studio.

Hampshire Constabulary said the man then cycled on his bike past Iceland, on Shirley High Street, towards Millbrook.

A 24-year-old man was arrested soon after the offence but he has been released from custody and will have no further action taken against him.

PICTURED: CCTV Hunt stepped up for rapist on a bike 

The investigation is still active and officers are now urging residents to be vigilant.

Southampton West Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Southam said: “This lady was just cycling home from a friend’s house and then suffered a terrifying experience.

“The investigation team are exploring all available lines of enquiry to identify the man described white and riding a mountain bike in the area at the time of offence, but it’s important to think about personal safety in the city at night. Get a taxi or a lift with a friend. Don’t walk home on your own and stick to busy well-lit areas.

“Neighbourhood officers have been and will continue to regularly patrol the area. Please do approach them if you have any concerns or any information that may be able to assist the investigation. Be alert, but not alarmed and report anything or anyone suspicious to 999.”

Cllr Dave Shields, cabinet member for Health and Community Safety at Southampton City Council, said the authority has offered its support to the police.

He added: “At the moment my thoughts are with the victim. It’s important that at the moment the police take the lead on this. I’ve spoken to the inspector and I support what the police are doing. We need to make sure we are not frightening people - stick to the advice that police have given.”

The incident happened at around 1.30am on Sunday.

Police initially appealed to find three people who helped the woman following the offence.

They were traced on Monday, June 4 and officers interviewed them.

Residents nearby said they heard the police at the scene.

PICTURED: CCTV Hunt stepped up for rapist on a bike