A WOMAN has been left traumatised following a serious sex attack near a Southampton sailing club.

The victim had been walking alone through the Woolston area when she was targeted.

Detectives said the late-night attack happened on land next to a car park opposite Southampton Sailing Club in Victoria Road, Woolston.

It is understood the ordeal left the woman so badly shaken that she has been unable to give police a full account of what happened.

Detectives based at Bitterne CID were hoping a clearer picture of the incident would emerge once the victim had spoken to specially trained police officers today.

The victim, who has not been named, suffered a number of injuries during the assault but did not require hospital treatment. Investigating officers today launched an appeal for anyone who saw or spoke to a woman walking alone in the Woolston area on Sunday eve-ning.

In particular, police want to trace the occupants of a white four-door saloon car with a spoiler across the back, which was seen at the junction of Swift Road and Victoria Road at the time of the attack.

Det Insp Nigel Oliver, leading the investigation, said: "The inquiry is in its early stages.

Details of the offence are emerging slowly as the victim has to be very sensitively handled.

"That is why it is especially important that anybody who saw anything suspicious or spoke to a lone woman in this area on Sunday night calls us as soon as possible."

A full crime scene search of Victoria Road was conducted by specially-trained search officers yesterday, which has now been completed.

Anyone with information about the attack on Sunday between 10.30pm and 12.30am is urged to contact Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545, or call the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.