RESIDENTS have told of their fear after a woman living on a Southampton estate was raped by a stranger inside her home.

Women living in the community say they are wary of walking alone while the attacker remains at large.

As revealed by the Daily Echo yesterday, the young mum was opening her front door when the rapist appeared behind her and forced his way in.

He then threatened her before carrying out the vile attack inside the property at lunchtime.

Major crime detectives have now taken over the investigation which has seen police patrols of the area stepped up to reassure local people.

They are not ruling out that the woman, aged in her 30s, may have been followed home.

Dozens of people living in the Milbrook community have also been spoken to by police conducting house-to-house inquiries in Windermere Avenue and Wimpson Lane.

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The exact location of the attack is not being revealed to protect the identity of the victim, who police say is extremely traumatised.

Millbrook resident Jo Holloway, 29, said: “There have been loads of police out here speaking to people. I think what happened is absolutely disgusting, not to mention really frightening, especially as the woman was trying to get into her home. It’s really quite scary and makes you aware of who is around.”

Ronny Amos, 34, added: “The idea that this woman might have been followed is horrible.

“My kids are always playing out in the park but I’ll be keeping them indoors now. It’s terrifying to think someone is capable of that and walking around here. I’m quite frightened to be out on my own as it is, but this will definitely make me more alert.”

Sammy Oxford, 17, said: “It’s really shocking. Whenever I’m walking by myself I check behind me every few minutes because I don’t like it, but this is really bad.”

Her thoughts were echoed by Christine Harris, 52, who said: “I hadn’t heard about it until now. You have to be wary all the time, but hearing of something happening so near is very scary.”

Laura Given, 23, added: “The idea someone like that could be walking around and watching people is frightening. I don’t tend to walk around on my own if I can help it, but I will be even more wary now.”

A team of 25 officers are working on the investigation, called Operation Meru, and were yesterday continuing enquiries within the area.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area on Tuesday, February 2 to come forward. In particular they want to speak to anyone who believes they may have been followed.

Call the Operation Meru team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.