AN ALLEGED rape has left Southampton residents “absolutely terrified” and “completely against” letting their children walk through city parks.

Police have launched an investigation after reports that an 18-year-old woman was raped in Riverside Park.

An area near Woodmill Lane was taped off following the incident at around 11.30pm on Tuesday.

Officers were carrying out investigations in the popular area throughout much of Wednesday. 

A footpath near the River Itchen was closed off to the public while officers searched between trees. 

READ MORE: Man charged with rape after police called to Southampton home

Manor Farm Road resident, Belinda Spraggan, told the Echo: “I am absolutely terrified and I would never walk through here at night.” 

The 32-year-old, who has a young daughter, added: “It’s things like this that make you worried for the future of your kids.

"Even when she’s old enough to head out and play with her friends without me, there’s no way I’d let her do it. I’m completely against the idea.

“The fact this can happen so close to a children’s play park is just shocking.”

Daily Echo:

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the victim is now being supported by specialist officers as enquiries continue.

Michael Paver, 42, who lives in the Bevois area but works in Bitterne, said he was “chilled” to hear about the alleged rape.

“It really does make you wonder what goes through some peoples’ heads,” he continued.

“My kids don’t live in the city with me, but if they did, I’d be worried to let them out on their own, and they’re 13 and 15.

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“I just spoke with someone I knew who had heard it was an alleged rape and I was chilled, really hit by it. My thoughts are with this poor woman.”

City councillor Spiros Vassiliou, responsible for community safety, said "more must be done".

He said: "Through the various funding we have received to help tackle Violence Against Women and Girls we want to do all that we can to reduce incidents in the city and initiatives such as additional CCTV, safe spaces and an increased security presence in our night time economy already exist.

"Whether it’s in public spaces or at home, we stand with anyone who has been impacted by these incidents and want to do all that we can to help people feel safer.”

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