Manhunt launched after girl, 14, 'is raped by stranger in woods' in Southampton

Published: 00:38, 24 August 2026 | Updated: 00:40, 24 August 2026 A manhunt has been launched after a girl aged 14 was raped by a stranger in the woods in Southampton.  The teenage girl was allegedly raped in Swaythling in Southampton and detectives are looking for a man with pale skin in connection with it.  Police were called after 3pm on Sunday with reports that a girl had been sexually assaulted in an area of trees.  Officers have launched a manhunt in connection with the rape that allegedly occurred off the Wide Lane roundabout, near Mansbridge Road. The man was described as having pale or sandy skin, being tall, skinny and aged in his 30s or 40s.  He also has blonde, greasy curtain style hair which was slicked back and a tattoo on one arm which appeared to have writing on it. Hampshire Police want to speak to anyone who may have heard anything or was driving by the roundabout between 2 and 3.10pm with a dashcam.  Detective Superintendent Ross Toms said: 'This incident was understandably very distressing for the girl involved. Our specialist officers are supporting her while we have significant resources in the area thoroughly investigating this incident as a priority. Officers have launched a manhunt in connection with the rape that allegedly occurred off the Wide Lane roundabout, near Mansbridge Road 'Police will be in the Swaythling area following up on all available lines of enquiry, speaking to local people and reviewing CCTV. 'If you saw or heard anything in this area between the times stated, no matter how small your information could be crucial so please contact police. 'We have been provided with a very detailed description of the man. If you know someone who matches this description, you have seen this man in the area, or have perhaps captured him on CCTV, Dash Cam or doorbell camera then please contact police immediately.' Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting 44260410740.  Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.