DETECTIVES are investigating a serious sexual assault on a 35-year-old woman in Southampton.

The incident is alleged to have taken place on Empress Road in Bevois Valley shortly after midnight today.

A 19-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested and is helping police with their inquiries.

An area around Empress Road has been sealed off for forensic examinations and is likely to remain sealed off until later today.

This should not affect access to businesses in the area.

DS Jan Bullfield, of Bitterne CID, said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have information about this incident or who was in Empress Road area at the time to get in touch."

Anyone with any information should contact DS Bullfield on 0845 045 45 45 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.