The alleged rape of a woman in a city cemetery has sparked a police investigation.

A large cordon was put up in Southampton Old Cemetery on Sunday morning.

It followed a report that a woman had been raped in the area.

This is everything we know on the incident.

What happened?

Daily Echo:

Officers were called just before 7am on Sunday, November 19, morning by the ambulance service.

It was reported that a woman had been assaulted in the Cemetery Road area of Southampton.

READ MORE: What part of Southampton Old Cemetery is cordoned off by police?

She reported to police that she was raped at this location in the early hours of the morning.

As a result, a cordon covering a section of the cemetery was created so police could carry out enquiries.

Calls for safety measures

Residents walking in the cemetery on Sunday spoke of their shock at the news.

When asked what can be done to make the area safer, Carla Pendleton from St Mary's said: "It’s too much to ask for more police to watch the area.

"You can’t close the cemetery, so extra lighting would be good."

@southerndailyecho Replying to @Connor Southerington Police were called to the cemetery just before 7am this morning. A woman reported that she had been raped. We hope she receives the help she needs at this time. ##southampton##southamptonoldcemetery##hampshire##police ♬ original sound - Daily Echo

Mark Watchorn, also from St Mary's said: "We walk here every week and I’m sure putting solar lights in the trees would help - it needs more lighting."

A dog walker from Southampton, who wished to remain anonymous, stumbled across the cordon whilst out for a walk.

She said: “We were just walking the dog and were told not to use the main path as the sniffer dog was going through.

"Southampton just doesn't feel a very safe place now even early in the morning as you don't know what you'll find.

“More lighting in the area would be better; CCTV is good but someone has to be monitoring it.”

Appeal for witnesses

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary are now calling for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Anyone who was in The Avenue and Cemetery Road area of the Common between 4am and 6.15am this morning is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44230472963.”

Officers are currently supporting the woman and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.