Police hunt masked attacker after man in 50s dragged into bushes and raped

Police are hunting for a sex attacker dressed all in black after a man in his 50s was dragging into bushes and raped by a masked assailant.

The man was approached by two men he didn't know as he walked along Somerset Avenue in Southampton between 9.30pm and 10.15pm on Saturday night (22 May).

One of the men then raped him in an overgrown area nearby, said Hampshire Police.

The force said the victim is being supported by specialist officers and an investigation has been launched to find his attackers.

Hampshire Police is appealing for witnesses and has urged anyone who was in the area of Exford Avenue or Somerset Avenue between 9.30pm and 10pm on Saturday to get in touch.

The first man is described as white, aged 20-30, and between 6ft 1in and 6ft 2in tall, with a skinny build.

He was dressed all in black with a hooded top, black mask/snood and a black rucksack, police said, and spoke with a local accent.

Police do not have a physical description of the second man but he has also been described as having a local accent, the force said.

In a statement it added: "Officers are carrying out increased patrols in the area. If you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to speak to one of them."

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting 44210198838.