9:30am Saturday 18th October 2008
By Echo Reporter
POLICE have not ruled out the possibility that a serial sex attacker is stalking Southamp-ton’s parks.
They are investigating the rape of a 24-year-old woman who was dragged into bushes as she walked through a city park.
The victim was making her way through Palmerston Park in Southampton at 12.50am after partying with friends at Reflex nightclub.
Police have refused to say whether they are linking the latest attack with a series of rapes and sexual assaults that have recently happened in the city’s parks.
Detective Inspector Linda Howard, of Shirley CID, said: “I have ruled nothing in and nothing out as yet.
“This woman was subjected to a terrifying sexual assault when she was walking home alone.
“She was grabbed from behind against her will and dragged into bushes.”
The attacker is described as an Asian man, aged approximately 30, about 5ft 6in, of middle to large build.
The victim also told police her attacker had a short, dark hair and a deep, husky voice.
A cordon was put up around the park yesterday at 1am while officers carried out their investigations and eight police vehicles were at the scene.
Det Insp Howard added: “We are currently speaking to the victim who is very distressed.
“It’s very early stages in the investigation.
“But obviously if any members of the public feel that they can assist us I would be very grateful if they would come forward.
“If they were in the area between 12am and 1.30am and saw anything suspicious, like someone hanging around the bushes, it will help the investigation.
“It’s too early for me to say at the moment that we are linking it to any other offences.”
She went on to warn people about the dangers of walking through isolated parts of the city at night and advised people to return home in a group or get a taxi.
Palmerston Park has been the site of several serious sex attacks including two separate rapes involving women, aged 19 and 26, in recent months.
Anyone with information on the attack is asked to contact Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545.
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