Everything we know about rapes in East Park, Southampton

After a report came in shortly after 5 a.m. yesterday that a woman in her forties had been raped in East Park, officers arrived and cordoned off a large part of the city center.

Forensic teams from Hampshire Police were busy collecting evidence until the cordon was lifted at around 11:55am.

The police said that the woman was being cared for by special forces. No arrests were made.

Chris Douglas, Southampton’s chief inspector, said last night: “We fully recognise how distressing incidents of this nature are for local residents.

“I would like to reassure you that specialist officers are working hard today to identify and locate the suspect while supporting the victim.

“Officers will remain in the area through this evening and tomorrow. As always, we ask that you please come along and speak to them if you have any concerns, questions or information.”

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The incident caused shock and concern among the public, from nearby residents to city councillors.

A 23-year-old woman from Southampton who lives less than a mile from East Park said: “It’s awful what has happened to someone – I wish her the best in what I’m sure is a terrible time.”

“I walk through this park almost every day and knowing this is happening worries me. You never know exactly what is going to happen.

“I often get the impression that people are quite harsh with the police. They can’t be everywhere at once. And their resources are limited.”

She added: “There are also so many young students from Solent University here. I imagine a lot of them go out drinking late at night, which also makes people vulnerable to this type of crime.”

“I find the whole situation terrible.”

Another Southampton resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: “These kinds of things worry me. I have been the victim of a stalker in the past, so for someone like me to know that there has been a rape in the city is really upsetting.”

“The worst thing about such a crime is that it has lasting consequences for the victim. If your wallet is stolen, you get over it after a while, but it leaves the victim with lifelong scars.”

Christie Lambert, cabinet member for Safer City at Southampton City Council, said yesterday: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the alleged incidents that occurred in one of our parks this morning.”

“Rest assured that this incident has only strengthened our resolve to fight violence against women and girls in our city. We are working closely with our Safer City Partnership to do everything in our power to ensure women feel safe in our public spaces.”