Neighbours have reacted with shock after a 14-year-old girl was attacked in Sholing, leading to a man being arrested for attempted rape.

Police cordoned off a section of Sullivan Road in Sholing following reports of an attempted rape of a teenage girl shortly after 8am yesterday (Friday, October 25).

Hampshire police arrested a 34-year-old man from Southampton following the incident on suspicion of attempted rape and attempted sexual assault.

As news of the incident spread while officers knocked doors in the neighbourhood, a resident of Sullivan Road said: “Police have been here since this morning. An officer knocked on my door this morning to ask if we had any CCTV, but we don't.

“You don't expect this sort of thing to happen where you live.

A police cordon on Sullivan Road (Image: Matt Davey) “People wonder why parents want to keep their children inside and play on video games, it's because you don't know what might happen outside. It can be a horrible world sometimes."

READ MORE: Southampton man arrested after attempted rape of teen this morning

One resident who lived on nearby Orpen Road, said: “I think it's horrible. Nobody wants to see this sort of thing happen and you don't expect it to be on your doorstep.

“I wasn't aware anything had happened first thing this morning but it's reassuring to see that police are in the road, making their presence felt as you don't always see them around."

One police car and one van remained in Sullivan Road throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, on-hand to chat to residents who were concerned.

Another resident of Sullivan Road, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “It's usually a very quiet road and nothing like this ever happens. It makes you wonder how safe you really are."

Following the incident, Southampton Chief Inspector Chris Douglas said: “I fully appreciate how concerning this will be to local residents and I want to reassure you that officers were on the scene immediately and remain in the area as we investigate this incident.

“I know that a number of people in the vicinity witnessed what happened and urge you to contact police if you haven’t yet done so.

“Anyone with concerns is asked to approach patrolling officers, who will be in the area today.

“If you have any information that could assist our investigation, please call us on 101 quoting reference number 44240464490.”