POLICE have ramped up patrols after a woman was dragged along the ground in a violent attack.
The woman in her 40s was followed by a man along Underwood Road and Alan Drayton Way in Eastleigh on Sunday, September 4.
She was then dragged along the ground by the man in an unlit area near Lynx Close before fleeing the scene.
'Always avoided the area'
In light of the attack, residents are calling for more police and improved street lighting.
Christine Brown, who has lived in Bishopstoke for about 30 years, said she always avoids the unlit area.
The 67-year-old said: “There’s no lighting all along the path further down the road.
“I don’t like walking my dog down there, and I’ve always avoided it.
“I think the lighting is a big issue as it’s very quiet down here at night and you are quite vulnerable.”
READ MORE: Woman attacked and dragged to ground after man followed her to unlit area
She added: “Do we ever see police anymore? I think this government have cut back so much we don’t see them.
“Lighting and more neighbourhood watch schemes would make things better.”
'It's gotten worse'
Concerns about a lack of police were also raised by Phil Lowton.
The Fair Oak resident said: “We need more police patrols but other than that, I don’t know what you could do.
“It would be nice to see policemen walk around here.”
A man who lives near Underwood Road, who wished to remain unnamed, said the attack 'sadly did not surprise him'.
He said: “I have definitely seen an increase in anti-social behaviour and it is on the rise.
“I didn’t know this incident happened, but it doesn’t shock me. It has gotten worse.
“I can’t remember the last time I saw a police officer down here.”
Can you help?
Hampshire police said it appreciates how concerning the incident is to the community.
A spokesperson said: “We want to reassure residents that we are following a number of lines of enquiry as part of our investigation into this incident.
“We take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and are working hard to identify and locate the man involved.
“Our neighbourhood officers are conducting increased patrols in the area and we would encourage anyone with concerns, questions or information to please come and approach them.”
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The man who attacked the woman is described as white, aged in his early 30s, 6'2" tall and with brown hair.
Witnesses are urged to call police on 101 quoting crime reference number 44220361306.
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