NEW CCTV images have been released by police investigating a suspected hammer attack on a teenage girl at a property possibly linked to the sex trade.

A reward of £5,000 has been put up as detectives revealed they are now treating the attack in Shearer Road, Portsmouth, as attempted murder.

It has emerged that the unnamed 17-year-old victim suffered ''serious, life-changing head injuries'' in the violent incident just before 7pm on April 11, officers said.

Police are investigating whether the property was targeted due to links with the sex trade and have given advice on personal safety to sex workers via charities and support groups.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Williams, of Hampshire Constabulary's major crime department, said: ''This is a complex investigation and we're currently following several leads.

''We've had a positive response from the public so far and we believe they will be crucial to helping us solve this crime.''

Police have renewed their public appeal for information about a baseball cap-wearing man captured in previously-issued CCTV images.

Superintendent Will Schofield, district commander of Portsmouth, said: ''I firmly believe the local community may hold the key to helping us solve this attempted murder and I'm appealing directly to anyone who has information about the incident, or recognises the man from the CCTV, to come forward and speak to police.

''There is a £5,000 reward being offered for information which leads to a successful prosecution and I'm hopeful that this reward will motivate someone to come forward.

''I would like to reassure the public that this is being treated as an isolated incident at this stage, however we have increased policing presence in the area.''

Anyone with information is asked to call Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting Operation Gather, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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