Hampshire Constabulary is urgently appealing for witnesses following a series of sexual assaults and suspicious behaviour in Queens Inclosure, Waterlooville. Several incidents have been reported in the woodland and nearby areas, prompting police to release an E-fit of a man they want to identify and question.
What Happened?
On 6 August at around 2pm, a 19-year-old woman was followed through Queens Inclosure by a man who made inappropriate sexual comments. The man then hugged her and attempted to touch her over her clothes.
Later the same day at 2.20pm, a teenage girl walking her dog was approached in the woods by a man who persistently asked for her phone number, hugged her, and touched her inappropriately over her clothing.
On 4 August at approximately 3.30pm on Hart Plain Avenue, a teenage girl felt intimidated by a man who walked alongside her asking for her number. No assault was reported in this incident.
How You Can Help Police
If you recognise the man in the E-fit, please contact Hampshire Police immediately on 101. Officers are keen to speak with anyone who witnessed these incidents or saw suspicious behaviour in and around Queens Inclosure and Hart Plain Avenue.
Police are especially requesting that residents with CCTV covering these areas review footage from Thursday and Saturday afternoons. Any relevant recordings could be vital to the ongoing investigation.
Important: Do not share any information or images on social media. Please report all details directly to the police to avoid compromising the case.
Police Action & Community Safety
Chief Inspector Clare Jenkins said: “These reports of a man acting suspiciously and sexually assaulting young women are being taken very seriously. We are working hard to identify the suspect.”
Extra patrols have been deployed and officers are engaging with the community to gather information and provide reassurance.
Jenkins added: “If you have CCTV footage, please review it carefully and contact us immediately if you see anything relevant.”
Residents and visitors are advised to stay vigilant when walking alone in these areas and report any suspicious activity straight to the police.
If you have information, call Hampshire Police on 101 quoting reference 44180298470, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
