POLICE have arrested a man over allegations that a woman was sexually assaulted three times as she walked through Southampton city centre.

The 45-year-old victim was walking home from work sometime between 1.20am and 1.45am on Saturday when she became aware of a man following her as she walked towards Watts Park from the direction of the Guildhall.

After trying to strike up conversation with her the attacker then struck as she walked into the park and although she fought him off he tried again.

She then ran out of the park onto Cumberland Place and ran across the road in front of the traffic towards the Southampton Park Hotel. She was then chased into a lane at the side of the hotel and indecently assaulted for a third time before the women managed to run away again and bang on the window of a bar where she got help.

The man then ran off.

A 20-year-old man has since been arrested and questioned by police and has been released on bail until Thursday, January 6.

Officers are keen to speak to any witnesses who saw the incident or a man and a woman together in the park or near Southampton Park Hotel.

Police particularly want to hear from motorists who may have seen the victim and the suspect coming out of the park and running across the road.

The attacker is described as white, aged in his early 20s with short dark hair. He was wearing a long sleeved check shirt and dark trousers. He also spoke with a foreign accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Western Area CID team at Southampton Central Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.