CCTV probe after man followed teenage girl as she walked home in Blackfield
POLICE have released a CCTV picture of a man they want to trace after a man followed a teenage girl as she walked home in Blackfield.
The victim had been walking with another girl around 4pm on Friday 21st January when they separated at the junction of Hampton Lane and Rollestone Road.
As she continued along Hampton Lane towards Blackfield Primary school she noticed she was being followed by an unknown man.
The girl walked along Wilverley Place via a footpath before continuing on to Blackfield Road and then coming out opposite the junction with Dark Lane. The man then fled in the opposite direction.
He was described as white, in his 30s with a ginger beard, wearing a blue hooded top and a black tracksuit over the top of the hoodie.
Police have urged people to come forward if they can help identify the person shown in the image.
Acting Police Sgt Rich Diggins said: “We appreciate that this incident may cause some concern in the local community, however, please rest assured that our local neighbourhood policing team have stepped up their routine, high-visibility patrols in the area in recent weeks to provide some level of reassurance to the local community.
“Our officers have also delivered safeguarding advice to the girl and her family. Although a distressing incident for the girl to have gone through, there have been no further reports of similar incidents.
“She was right to let the police know when she felt unsafe and we will continue to support the victim and the local community.”
He continued: “If anyone recognises the man, albeit we appreciate it is not the clearest photo, or remembers seeing a man acting suspiciously at the time in the area, please report it to police. Any information, no matter how small, may prove beneficial to our investigation.”
The person pictured was also urged to come forward to discuss the incident with police.
Those with information should contact the Hampshire force on 101 or online at https://bit.ly/3guYNOM quoting crime reference number 44220028061. Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.
