AN investigation is under way today after a 55-year-old woman was subjected to a terrifying daylight rape as she walked through woodland in Hampshire.

The ordeal happened as the victim walked in the Forest near Ashurst at about 9am yesterday and was approached by her attacker.

Following the assault, she managed to use her mobile phone to call 999 and raise the alarm.

Officers arrived on the scene within minutes and a full search of the area was carried out and a man, aged 26, was arrested.

He was taken into police custody, where he was being questioned throughout yesterday.

The victim had to be taken to hospital for treatment but was later released.

The area where the serious sex attack happened was cordoned off during yesterday and manned by officers while forensic examinations were carried out.

Detectives were also carrying out house to house enquiries to try to find anyone with information.

A team of detectives are involved in the investigation, which is being led by Southampton CID.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area, or who has information about this incident and who has not yet been spoken to by police, to call police on 101, or to leave information with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.