A SOUTHAMPTON man was found with a bag full of knickers thought to have been stolen from washing lines.

The 40-year-old was stopped by police officers in Portsmouth who then searched a bag he was carrying.

Inside they found what was described as a large' quantity of women's underwear and some women's clothing.

Officers arrested the man in the Portsea area of the city at 10pm on Tuesday. He was then questioned in connection with the find and released on bail until April.

Portsmouth police are now appealing for any women who may have had underwear stolen from washing lines or gone missing in similar circumstances to contact police at Portsmouth Central station on 0845 045 4545.