Man sought over suspected hammer attack on girl, 17

Updated

CCTV images have been released by detectives searching for a man behind a suspected hammer attack on a teenage girl.

Police issued pictures of a baseball cap-wearing man following the attack at a property possibly linked to the sex trade in Shearer Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire.

The unnamed 17-year-old victim is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after sustaining head injuries in the assault just before 7pm on April 11.

As detectives appealed for information and followed up a number of lines of inquiry, officers said they were treating it as an "isolated" incident.

Police are investigating whether the property was targeted due to links with the sex trade and have given advice on personal safety to sex workers via charities and support groups.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Williams, of Hampshire Constabulary's major crime team, said: "We need to speak to anyone who recognises the man in this CCTV image."

Anyone with information is asked to call Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting Operation Gather, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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