Man arrested after alleged rape on International Way

Shortly after 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, officers were called after receiving a report that a 16-year-old girl had been raped by a man she had met earlier that day, according to police.

The incident occurred at an address in International Way, Southampton.

Officers were on site and searched the area.

A 25-year-old man from Southampton was found and arrested on suspicion of rape.

He is currently still in police custody.

The victim is currently being cared for by special officers and the police are still on site to conduct investigations, a police spokesman said.

The incident came days after a woman in her 40s was raped in East Park in the city centre last week.

The police have made it clear that there is no connection between the two incidents.

READ MORE: Man charged by police with raping woman in city centre park

Southampton Superintendent Phil Lamb said: “This is an extremely worrying crime against a young girl and I know that the people of Southampton will be concerned to hear of this report, particularly in light of the rape of a woman in East Park late last week.”

“We do not consider these incidents to be related and have filed charges against a suspect following the East Park incident, while a man is currently in custody for this specific incident on International Way.

“Specialist officers from our rape and serious sexual assault investigation and victim support unit, Operation Amberstone, are currently investigating this report and are on site today to carry out enquiries.

“We want to give women and girls who report cases of serious sexual assault and rape to us the reassurance that they will be offered expert support and have a specially trained carer at their side.

“We are currently in discussions with key partners across the city including Southampton City Council, licensed venues such as bars and clubs, security guards, street chaplains and Southampton Central Ambulance Service to find out how we can best protect and keep women and girls safe here in Southampton.

“Working in partnership is key to making our streets, open spaces, public transport and homes safer for women and girls, and we want you to know that we are here to protect you if you need our help.”