A BOY has been arrested following allegations of a serious sexual assault in Southampton.

A large police presence has been seen in a wooded area just off of Coxford Road in Coxford.

Hampshire Police has now confirmed that officers in the area are investigating allegations of a serious sexual assault, reported to have taken place in the Tanners Brook area of the city just between 6.45pm and 8pm on Thursday.

Daily Echo:

A 14-year-old boy from Southampton has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Three police cars and a van have been seen parked alongside the road next to woods by Wings restaurant.

The gated entrance into the area has been taped up, stopping residents from passing through.

Daily Echo:

A local man, who has asked not to be named, told our reporter at the scene this morning: "[Police] have been here since this morning as far as I know.

"We're not sure what's happened but they have been coming and going through the woods and field all morning."

Another resident explained that although "crime often happens locally", there are "never normally this many police". He added that the scene was "surprising".

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "Officers are investigating an allegation of a serious sexual assault that was reported to have taken place in the Tanners Brook area of Southampton just before 9pm yesterday, (24 Sept). 

"A 14-year-old boy from Southampton has been arrested in connection with this incident.

"Officers are in the area today conducting further enquiries."