DETECTIVES hunting a sex attacker who abducted a teenage shop worker on a busy Southampton street have reported a good response from the public.

Police said several important witnesses had come forward after reading about the attack in the Daily Echo.

The 17-year-old victim told police she had been walking to a bus stop in Portswood when a man put his hand on her back and forced her forwards.

After turning left into a private driveway in nearby Highfield Lane, the man took her to secluded gardens and allotments, where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

Detectives said the girl had been so traumatised by her ordeal that she had been unable to say exactly when it took place.

Today police paid tribute to potential witnesses who had come forward with information about the incident, which happened some time after 5.45pm during the first few weeks of May.

Det Insp Richard Pearson, of Bitterne CID, said: "We have had some response from people who have recognised the description of the man as he marched the girl along Highfield Lane. In particular, one lady has contacted us after returning from holiday. We have had some good information but would still appeal for other potential witnesses to get in touch."

Det Insp Pearson said the witnesses had come forward as a direct result of appeals in the Daily Echo last week.

This week detectives were still studying closed-circuit TV footage seized from across the Portswood area to see if the attacker had been caught on camera.

Police said he was white, in his 30s, with short cropped hair and may have a mark on his neck. He wore dark clothing and possibly a bomber-style jacket.

Detectives believe he may have travelled on the number 6 bus between Merry Oak and Portswood previously.

The victim was described as slim, with shoulder-length dark blonde hair.

She wore dark trousers and a light top on the day of the attack.

Any information to Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.