POLICE are calling on late night revellers to help catch a man who carried out a harrowing sex attack on a woman.

The 23-year-old victim was walking home after a night out with friends in Southampton when she was attacked as she walked along Rockstone Lane, at its junction with Dorset Street.

She told police how the man attacked her in bushes close to a phone box at the junction, where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

The attack happened between 3.15am and 4am on Saturday, and police believe that witnesses who were also making their way home from a night out may be able to help with their inquiries.

Det Sgt Lee Macarthur said: “I am grateful to members of the community who have already come forward and offered information.

Although the incident occurred late at night, I am sure there are other witnesses out there who were maybe walking home from the pubs and clubs and may have seen the offender in the area at the time.

“I would encourage them to come forward.”

He said that the victim had been traumatised by the attack, adding: “The lady is now recovering after what was a harrowing assault.”

Detectives leading the hunt have also released a description of the attacker. They are looking for a black man, about 6ft, of slim to medium build, with short black hair and a deep voice and aged in his early to mid 20s.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, police cordoned off the scene throughout Saturday while forensic teams gathered information.

Anyone who thinks that they can help the inquiry can contact the incident room at Bitterne CID, quoting Operation Rhetoric, on 0845 045 4545, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.