A TEENAGE girl has reported she was sexually assaulted by a man in a popular park.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 17-year-old girl said she was sexually assaulted in Lakeside Country Park on Wednesday.

The incident occurred between 8.05am and 8.25am when the girl was walking alone along Wide Lane and down a dirt footpath in the direction of Barton Peveril College.

READ MORE: Man and woman left seriously injured after crash at busy crossroads

It was here that she says she was approached by an unknown man on a bike who spoke to her before cycling off.

The teenager then saw the same man cycling along a path in Lakeside Country Park.

He approached her close by a gate by the railway track and Ambassador Walk and went on to sexually assaulted her, say police.

She did not suffer any injuries.

READ MORE: Missing Southampton man found dead with head injury

The man was white, in his mid-20s, about 5ft 10ins, skinny, and had short brown scruffy hair and patchy stubble.

He was wearing navy blue cargo-style trousers and a t-shirt while riding a bike.

Detective Constable Rhys McDonnell, said: "We are really keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time that may have seen this man to come forward with any information they may have.

"The incident happened in broad daylight in an area which is a common route for college students to walk from the train station towards college, as well as being a regular area for dog walkers. We are hoping that someone saw the incident and is able to come forward with information, no matter how small or insignificant they think it is, which could aid our investigation enquiries.

"Additionally, we would like to hear from anyone who may have driven past at the time of the incident and might have seen the man and have dash-cam footage available.

"We believe this to be an isolated incident, but local Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be conducting high-visibility patrols in the local area."

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 44220163965.

Alternatively, you can submit information online.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News