Photos could be key in hunt for Southsea Common attacker

The woman was walking towards the Pyramid Centre, close to Clarence Esplanade, on Monday, August 3 at around 9.45pm, when a man approached her and carried out a serious sexual assault.

The incident happened in an area of the common near to The Pyramids.

The man has been described as white with a heavy build and facial hair. He was wearing a dark baseball cap, a dark top with a zip, and a blue surgical facemask.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who was on Southsea Common that evening who may have taken photographs that could help.

Acting Detective Inspector Wayne Jackson of Hampshire Police said: “We are two weeks on from this incident and I am looking for information from the local community to tell me who this man is.

“Were you on Southsea Common two Mondays ago? We are interested to see any photographs people took on the common that evening, as it’s possible our suspect could be in the background.

“We have been carrying out a number of investigative enquiries, and the Portsmouth South Neighbourhood Policing Team have been patrolling Southsea Common.

“We want to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to identify this man and keep Portsmouth safe.

“We would like to remind people to remain vigilant, especially when walking alone in the dark.”

He added: “If you know of anyone matching this description, or have seen anyone matching this description in the local are in the last two weeks, please get in contact with us.”

Phone 101 and quote Operation Outwards, or the reference 44200292589.