EXTRA police were today patrolling a Hampshire community after a terrifying sex attack which saw a young woman dragged to the ground as she walked home.

The frightening ordeal happened as the 24-year-old made her way home from Eastleigh’s Fleming Park and was followed by a man who put his arm across her throat.

Police say he then cupped his hand over her mouth, pulled her to the ground and indecently assaulted her.

But he quickly fled the scene across a local green when he realised his horrific actions were being watched by people waiting at a nearby bus stop.

The two men and a woman ran to the aid of the victim as she lay on the pavement in Derby Road close to Grantham Green just before midnight on Thursday.

They then walked her to Desborough Road before turning around and heading back to the bus stop.

Now police are desperately trying to trace the Good Samaritans who they believe could hold vital information in leading them to the attacker.

Yesterday residents living in the area spoke of their shock at what had happened in a usually peaceful area.

Robin Richardson, 56, retired from Chamberlayne Road, Eastleigh, said: “It’s shocking.

I wouldn’t think that sort of thing would happen around here. It’s normally a quiet area.”

Amanda Skinner, 45, a cook from Nutbeem Road, Eastleigh, said: “I’m shocked more than anything. You never really hear of any trouble along here. It’s really quiet.

I hope the woman is ok and that they catch whoever did it.”

John Newman, 64, a vehicle builder from Derby Road, Eastleigh, said: “It’s appalling.

This is the first time I’ve ever heard of something like this happening on Derby Road.”

Police investigating the attack are understood to be checking for any local CCTV footage in the hope of identifying the man responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Eastleigh CID on 101.

n A 28-year-old Eastleigh man was arrested at about 2am on Friday and last night remained in custody at Southampton Central police station.