8:24am Wednesday 3rd September 2008
DETECTIVES are investigating two more sex attacks on women walking through Southampton parks.
Both incidents happened in the early hours and police are not ruling out a link between them.
The incidents have once again prompted warnings for women not to walk alone at night - and if they have to, to stick to well-lit routes and walk in pairs or groups.
Officers have also urged women not to drink too much alcohol. This would enable them to remain alert to what is happening around them.
A 19-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Watts Park, Southampton, during the early hours of Saturday, August 30.
A man, described as black and around 5ft 10in, approached the woman between 1.30am and 2.30am and asked her for a cigarette. He then sexually assaulted her before running off.
It is thought someone may have disturbed the man during the attack and officers are now asking for that person to come forward and contact them.
The second incident happened in nearby Palmerston Park between 3am and 3.40am the following day.
The park was the scene of two separate rapes involving women, aged 19 and 26, in recent months.
Officers have received reports from witnesses about the incident but the woman herself has not come forward.
Detectives are now asking for her to contact them so they can further investigate what happened.
Detective Constable Gary Steward said: "When these type of attacks do happen we take them very seriously.
"Though most people enjoy a night out in Southampton without any problems I'd like to offer this general advice about how they can minimise any risk: People should stick to well-lit routes and either walk with friends, or where there are lots of other people around.
"It is also a good idea for people to moderate the amount of alcohol they drink as this will help them to be more alert to what is going on around them and they are then less likely to become a victim."
l A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the sexual assault in Watts Park and has since been released on bail until Monday, October 20.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
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