POLICE today stepped up their hunt for a sex attacker who struck in Southampton.

Officers cordoned off a site next to a busy Southampton street as part of an investigation into an alleged serious sexual assault.

Forensics officers were seen at the site next to Warren Avenue yesterday, and police officers remained at the scene into the afternoon.

Hampshire police say a 42-year-old woman reported the incident to them, saying it occurred between 6 and 8.30pm on Saturday night.

Residents say they saw a police forensics team and other offices at the scene yesterday morning.

A lane leading off Warren Avenue to garages behind the two roads, remains cordoned off.

A spokesman said: “Specially trained officers have been supporting the victim and working with her to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Daily Echo:

“Officers are following a number of lines of enquiry including house to house enquiries and increased police presence in the area.”

One resident living on the street, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We didn't hear or see anything untoward, so it was a bit of a surprise to see the police out there at 9 this morning."

Anyone with information should contact Southampton DCID on 101, quoting incident number 44150008811.