A RAPIST lit a cigarette after subjecting a 16-year-old New Forest girl to an horrific attack in a secluded bin area behind flats in Southampton.

The man had befriended the teenager at a nearby bus stop before persuading her to join him for a walk "to keep warm".

But as they approached flats in Maddison Street near the city centre, the sex attacker pounced.

Police said he slapped her several times before pressing his hand across her mouth and subjecting her to a rape lasting between ten and 15 minutes.

Today detectives said the young victim, a student from the Waterside area, had been traumatised by her ordeal, which happened around 10pm on Friday, while the city centre was bustling with people.

Det Sgt Scott Chilton, of Southampton Central CID, leading the investigation, said: "This was an extremely serious sexual assault at a central location.

"There must have been plenty of people around. We need to hear from members of the public who were in the Bargate and High Street area."

Details of the attack were not disclosed by police until yesterday. The attacker was described as white, aged in his mid-30s, 6ft, stocky build, clean shaven, with short dark hair and wearing dark clothing, possibly a blue fleece.