A WOMAN managed to escape physical harm when she was attacked by a man in broad daylight near the Common in Southampton.

Police said the man had approached the woman as she sat near the Bellemoor Inn in Hill Lane at lunchtime on Tuesday.

Detectives are hunting a man of Asian appearance, who had been waering a distinctive sky-blue cap, tunic and trousers.

He made an indecent suggestion before grabbing her and trying to drag her under nearby bushes.

Luckily the woman, aged 19, managed to struggle free and raised the alarm. Today DS Paul Barton, of Southampton CID, gave more details. He said: "The woman was sitting on a park bench near the pub when she was approached.

"She managed to break free and was shaken by the incident, but not injured."

The man was aged between 30 and 35, about 5ft 8in tall, with black collar-length hair and beard. He wore a brown cardigan over his sky-blue suit. He was described as speaking with a foreign accent. Police want to hear from anyone who recognises the description or who noticed the man near Southampton Common between 12.45pm and 1.15pm yesterday.

Anyone who saw him or has information about the incident should contact Southampton Central CID on 01703 335444 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

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