A CCTV image has been released as police try to track down the man who left a teenage girl with serious injuries in a hammer attack.

The 17-year-old was rushed to Southampton General Hospital with serious head injuries following the attack.

She remains there in a serious but stable condition.

Emergency services were called to the incident at an address in Shearer Road, Fratton, at about 6.58pm on Monday.

Detective Inspector Liam Davies said: "We are actively trying to identify a man seen running across Shearer Road and into Beecham Road past the Shearer Arms Public House at 7pm.

"We are releasing an image of this man in the hope of speaking to him, as he may be able to assist our enquiries."

The man is described as white, of small or medium build, 5ft 5ins tall, with short light brown hair and a short beard.

He was wearing a brown coat, jeans and light coloured trainers.

DI Davies continued: "This image is not of the best quality, but indicates where he was and which direction he was walking in. We are treating this as an isolated incident at this time.

"A number of active lines of enquiry are being followed, but I'd urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between 4pm and 7:30pm to contact us".

Superintendent Will Schofield, who is charge of policing in Portsmouth, said: "Officers from across the city and other areas of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are working tirelessly to progress this investigation to secure justice for the victim.

"This is a shocking incident, but I'd like to re-assure the local community that we are actively patrolling the area and these officers are happy to address any concerns that you may have if you speak to them."

Anyone with information should call the police on 101, quoting Operation Gather or reference 44160137858.