WOMEN are being urged not to walk alone at night in Southampton after a young woman was sexually assaulted in the early hours of Sunday.

The 20-year-old was attacked while walking home from the Edge nightclub through a subway in Brintons Road at about 4.20am.

Police say the male suspect had followed the lone woman and tried to start a conversation.

But as they approached the subway he pushed her to the floor and sexually assaulted her. She then pushed him off and escaped.

Although not physically harmed, the woman was left shaken and upset.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Barton, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a sexually motivated attack committed against a vulnerable woman who was making her way home after a night out.

"We would advise women to be aware of their alcohol consumption, particularly if they intend to walk home alone, but it would be preferable that they take a taxi or walk in well lit busier areas with a group."

The attacker is Asian, aged 25-30, chubby with fat cheeks and a shaven head. He was wearing a dark long sleeved jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bitterne CID on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity line anonymously on 0800 555 111.