RESIDENTS have spoken of their "shock" and concern after a rape investigation was launched by police.

As reported, officers are investigating a report of rape of a 21-year-old woman in the New Forest.

Inquiries into the incident continue, which happened at some point over May 1 and May 2 in Hythe.

Hampshire Constabulary said it is believed the incident took place between midday on Friday, May 1, and 7am on Saturday, May 2, in the area between Prospect Park Place and the wooded area behind Endeavour Way.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or people with dash cam footage driving through Hythe at the time to come forward.

A 21-year-old man, who lives in the area and works as a civil engineer, told the Daily Echo: "I'm really shocked to hear about this around here, you don't get much crime in Hythe let alone this sort of violence.

"I didn't see anything at the time but lots of people are talking about it and some are really worried about going out at night.

"I really hope the victim is doing okay."

Since receiving the report, a Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said officers had conducted a thorough search of the area and made house visits to residents to appeal for information. An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.

The woman, who is from the New Forest, is being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Matthews said: “We would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area of Prospect Park Place and Endeavour Way between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning who saw anything suspicious to contact us.

“If you were driving through Hythe between these times and have dash cam footage, this may also assist us.

“We are looking at quite long time period when this incident could have taken place, and we believe a number of people would have been in or passed through the area. You may think you didn’t see anything important but what you did see might be vital in us ascertaining the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44200154475, or approach an officer out on patrol in Hythe."