POLICE are hunting a man who raped another man in Southampton in the early hours of Saturday.

Detectives from Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Department have launched an investigation after a 22-year-old man from the city reported the serious sexual assault.

The victim was raped by the stranger, who approached him as he was walked along a path near the Clover Nook flats off Old Redbridge Road, shortly before 5.30am.

After the attack the rapist ran away into the Clover Nook flats.

The scene was cordoned off this morning as forensic teams carried out searches, while officers made door-to-door enquiries.

Senior investigating officer Acting Detective Inspector David Nealon, said: “We would like to thank local residents for their co-operation, and reassure them that there have been no other similar reports in the area recently.

“The victim is understandably upset and shaken by what’s happened, but has been able to give us an initial description of the suspect.”

The attacker is described as being white, around 5ft 8ins tall, with short hair and was wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans and white trousers.

He also had a tattoo with a tribal design.

Anyone with information about the identity or the whereabouts of this man, or who may have seen someone matching the description near the scene between 5am and 6am should call the Major Crime Department, quoting Operation Stopford, on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.