Man, 42, arrested in connection with Southampton rape investigation

Man, 42, arrested in connection with Southampton rape investigation

Detectives have arrested a man from Southampton in connection with their investigation into a rape of a woman in her 30s on Southampton Common, near Cemetery Road.

The 42-year-old was arrested this morning (Sunday 8 November) on suspicion of rape. He remains in police custody at this time.

The incident occurred shortly after 5.30am yesterday (Saturday 7 November) and an investigation was immediately launched.

Since the incident was first reported to us, officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries and reassurance patrols in the Southampton Common and surrounding areas, and they continue to do so.

A scene was in place at the location, whilst forensic work and other enquiries were conducted, but this has now been lifted.

The victim continues to be supported by specialist officers from our Operation Amberstone (rape and serious sexual offences) team, and we continue to have significant resources deployed to the investigation.

Officers from our local Neighbourhood Policing Team have today again been carrying out reassurance patrols in the area concerned. Please do come and speak to them if you have any information about the incident, any concerns, or any questions you wish to ask. They will be happy to hear from you and offer further reassurance and advice.

Acting Detective Inspector, Graham Slack, said: “Since this incident was first reported to us yesterday morning, our teams, detectives and officers have been working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

"Today's arrest is a significant and important development in our investigation, but our work does not end here. Whilst the arrested man is in our custody and being interviewed in connection with the incident, our other investigative work and enquiries continue, including further house-to-house visits, speaking to people in the local area, and reviewing CCTV and other footage.

"This was an extremely distressing incident for the woman involved and our specialist officers are continuing to support her. She has been updated on the details of the arrest.

Detectives continue to appeal for information in relation to the incident. Acting DI Slack, said: "If you saw or heard anything in the area of the incident yesterday morning, no matter how small you believe this to be, your information could be crucial to our investigation, so please contact us.

"We understand the concern that this incident will also cause to those who live in the area, as well as the wider community. If you have concerns or questions, please get in touch with us.

"I would also like to thank our communities in the area of the incident for all their support, information and cooperation in our investigation to date."

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call 101 and quote incident number 44260545717.

We would also like to hear from you if you were in the area at the time of the incident, witnessed anything suspicious, or have any footage that may assist in our investigation, including mobile phone, dash cam, doorbell camera, or any other CCTV.

As well as 101, you can also report online, via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, below;

How to tell us about an existing case or report | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Alternatively, you can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.