Police launch new appeal over sex assault in woodland after release of arrested man

POLICE have made a fresh appeal for witnesses to a sex attack on a woman in Blackfield after the release of a man arrested yesterday (Thursday).

on suspicion of attempted rape following the incident last Saturday in woodland off Row Down, between Roughdown Lane and Kings Copse Road.detained the 30-year-oldOfficers had

But today Hampshire Constabulary announced the suspect had been released with no further action and the investigation was continuing.

A force spokesperson said: “As such, we are continuing to appeal to the public for any information or anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

“Were you in the area at the time? Did you see what happened?”

The incident took place between 11.20am and 11.50am and involved a woman being approached by a man who sat next to her and made an indecent suggestion

She told him to go away and he then assaulted her. The victim fought off the attacker and he fled. She called police and sought help from passers-by.

Following the assault, the suspect may have had an injury to his eye and scratches to his face, said police.

He was described as white, aged in his later 20s to early 30s, between approximately 5ft 8in and 5ft 9in tall, medium build and with pale skin.

He was wearing a dark-coloured, beanie-style hat, dark top, blue jeans, trainers and a dark-coloured fabric mask.

anonymously on 0800 555 111.CrimestoppersContact Hampshire police on 101, quoting 44210001443, or