DETECTIVES investigating a sex attack on a young woman in a Hampshire park are examining vital new evidence.

CCTV images captured in Above Bar, Southampton, and outside LeisureWorld reveal a man who could hold the crucial clues about the attack.

One image shows the man trying to gain entry to the Spar shop just yards from Palmerston Park, where the 22-year-old woman was subjected to the terrifying ordeal. The others show him outside LeisureWorld.

It is thought he then got into a waiting vehicle in the taxi rank across the road.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, police received a 999 call at about 4.30am on Sunday from a council roadsweeper who had been approached by a girl in a distressed state.

Officers are investigating the possibility she was sexually assaulted in undergrowth not far from the New Road entrance to the park.

As they continued their search, detectives also appealed for the driver of a white van seen on New Road around the time of the incident to come forward.

The ordeal happened after the victim had enjoyed a night out with friends at the Quayside pub and Ikon and Diva nightclub in the city's LeisureWorld complex.

The police investigation is being led by Shirley CID, who today urged anybody who may recognise the images of a man they wish to speak to to come forward.

Det Sgt Dave Nealon said: "We are continuing to examine various pieces of CCTV footage and would particularly like to speak to the driver of the white van seen in the area around the time of the attack.

"We would also urge taxi drivers who think they may have picked up a male in Above Bar at about 4.40am to come forward."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Sgt Nealon at Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

This morning officers confirmed that a 24-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the attack. The man, who lives locally, is believed to have called police last night. He is being quizzed today at a police station in Hampshire.