HAMPSHIRE Police are investigating an alleged rape after a woman was discovered in a "distressed state" near a popular area of bars, clubs and restaurants.

The 39-year-old woman left a restaurant in the Oxford Street area of Southampton at around midnight on Saturday morning, and was found by passers-by in nearby Terminus Terrace nearly two-and-a-half hours later.

Detectives now want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time to get in touch.

"Terminus Terrace is nearby to the Oxford Street area of bars, clubs and restaurants, and is often used as a cut through be people going to and from the area," said Detective Inspector Andy Symes, of Southampton CID.

Call 0845 045 45 45, quoting Operation Cashmere, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.