Police are investigating after two teenage schoolgirls were attacked and raped in separate nearby incidents in the same town – just days apart. Yet despite the close proximity of the attacks on the 13-year-old and 15-year-old victims detectives do no believe they are linked. The 15-year-old was allegedly sexually assaulted in the Beaumont Road area of Totton, Hampshire, at around 8.30pm on March 1.
Police have released a description of a man they want to speak to in connection with the rape, describing him as being white, in his early 20s, with brown hair, a large nose and a spotty face. A second report was then made of the younger girl being raped in a park off Testwood Lane in Totton, on March 14. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said they were keeping an open mind but do not believe the two incidents are not believed to be connected.
Lead investigator, Detective Inspector Claire Shawley, said: “We fully understand the concerns within the local community regarding this incident.
“I’d like to reassure you all that we are working extremely hard to progress our investigation into this incident, and specialist officers continue to support the victim.
“We would still like to hear from anyone who was in the Beaumont Road area of Totton on the evening of Saturday 1 March.
“Do you recall seeing anything suspicious in the area at the time? Do you recall seeing anyone matching the above description?
“Do you have any footage which may assist in our investigation, including dash cam, doorbell camera, mobile phone, or any other CCTV? Please get in touch with us if you can help.”
Regarding the second reported incident in Totton, DI Shawley, said: “At this time, we do not believe the two incidents are linked, based on the events reported to us by the victims.
“We’d continue to ask the public to not speculate regarding either incident, but to instead share any information with us directly.
“We will share further updates with you on the investigations when we are able to do so.”
If you have any information, no matter how small you might believe it to be, call 101 and quote incident number 44250092935.
You can also report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
