DETECTIVES are hunting two men who sexually assaulted a pair of teenage girls in a Hampshire alleyway.

The victims were attacked as they walked down a dark path behind a small parade of shops. Police crime scene investigators have spent more than 24 hours looking for clues.

People using the shops in Nightingale Avenue, East-leigh, spoke of their alarm at being greeted by teams of officers in black uniforms, wearing caps, knee pads and protective gloves as they searched the ground on their hands and knees.

"They wouldn't tell us anything," said one shop customer. "But nothing like this has ever happened before. I have a teenage daughter and I wouldn't even want to think about something like that happening to her.

"It does make you worry."

The incident happened behind businesses which include hardware store Eastleigh Batteries and Spares, Nightingale Stores and Off Licence, Forbuoys newsagents and Nightingale Pets.

One Nightingale Avenue resident, who lives in a flat above the shops, returned from work as police were investigating on Monday evening to find himself denied access to his home.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said that the area behind the shops is a place where youths often gather late at night.

"It used to be worse before the chip shop closed but you still see groups of around 30 or 40 outside regularly and they are always going around the back.

"The problem is there are no street lights out there. No one heard or knew anything about what happened. It's really tragic," he added.

When the Daily Echo first asked about the incident, Hampshire police said that the scene was closed due to investigators looking into a joyriding spree by youths in a stolen car. However, a police spokeswoman later confirmed that the scene was sealed off after the sexual assault had been reported.

She said: "Allegations of a sexual assault are being investigated and we strongly urge anyone with any information that could help us in the investigation, or could direct us to these two men, to come forward."

The spokeswoman added that both attackers are white, aged between 20 and 30, and of medium build. One man was about 6ft, with spiky brown hair, and was wearing a three-quarter-length dark leather jacket with blue jeans.

The second man is described as 5ft 8in, with dark hair.

The attack is said to have taken place at about 10.20pm on Saturday.

Anyone who may be able to help police with their enquiries should contact Eastleigh CID urgently on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.