A SOUTHAMPTON man accused of raping a 14-year-old girl is set to stand trial early next year.

The teenager is alleged to have been attacked in the Bitterne area of the city in the early hours of Friday, July 21.

Joshua Riley, 24, of Chine Avenue, has been charged with two counts of rape and one of attempted rape.

He is also facing one allegation of sexual assault and four of assault by penetration.

All the offences are alleged to have occurred between Thursday, July 20 and Saturday, July 22.

Making a brief appearance at Southampton Crown Court, Riley denied all the allegations.

The case was adjourned for a trial that is due to start on January 15 next year. Riley was further remanded in custody following his previous appearance at Southampton Magistrates' Court in July.

His trial is expected to last for three or four days.