DETECTIVES today released this e-fit picture of a man they are hunting in connection with the rape of a 22-year-old woman.

The brutal attack is said to have happened in Netley as the victim sat looking across Southampton Water.

The woman was attacked by a man in his 30s as she sat on the foreshore at Beach Lane in the early hours of Friday.

Police say she had been out walking and was approached by the man as she sat alone. He started talking to her before attacking and raping her.

Over the weekend, a team of officers carried out extensive house-to-house inquiries in the area. High-visibility police patrols have also been put in place around the area.

The attack is being dealt with by the major crime team based at Southampton's Hulse Road police station, under the codename Operation Hyacinth.

The man police are hunting is described as white, stocky and about 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall.

He spoke with a "non-southern English" accent and was wearing black trousers and a multi-coloured diamond-patterned top with black sleeves.

Police are appealing for anyone who recognises the suspect or saw a man matching his description on Thursday night or in the early hours of Friday morning to contact them.

Earlier in the evening the victim is believed to have stood with an unknown woman near the bus stop at Blackthorne Surgery in Station Road.

Police say they are keen to hear from the woman, who may be able to provide useful information of the events leading up to the attack.

Anyone with information, or who may have been in the area at the time of the attack, is asked to contact the inquiry centre on 0845 045 4545 and ask for the Operation Hyacinth team.

Alternatively, contact the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.