Police drop investigation into reported rape of 13-year-old girl in Totton as enquiries continue into attack on 15-year-old a fortnight earlier

POLICE have announced they are taking no further action over reports of a 13-year-old girl raped in Totton.

The update this morning (Friday) follows investigations in the town since its was reported to have happend on the evening of Friday 14th March.

Although no offender has been identified and no one else is being sought, the Hampshire force confirmed it is continuing to support the youngster.

As reported in the A&T, the offence was said to have been committed after a 15-year-old girl was raped in the Beaumont Road area on Saturday 1st March.

In the wake of the second reported incident, detectives carried out house-to-house enquiries and cordoned off a section of park, off Testwood Lane. They also reviewed CCTV footage, and stepped up local patrols.

However, they maintained the second report was not believed to be connected to the 1st March attack.

Lead investigator DI Claire Shawley said: "I know the community have been extremely concerned after two reports of a rape happening in the town were received in the space of two weeks.

"We have been working hard to conduct a full and thorough investigation of each, in order to understand the circumstances and identify any offenders.

"Our investigation team has acted swiftly, quickly locating a large amount of CCTV to help us put a comprehensive timeline of events together for the incident reported on 14th March, and identifying witnesses who have been able to share valuable information.”

DI Shawley continued: "Having spoken to those witnesses and reviewed all the available CCTV to us, we have not identified any offender or a location where this reported incident would have happened.

"Based on that, we are taking no further action at this time. The girl will continue to be supported.

"Our local neighbourhood policing teams will continue to conduct patrols in the town, so please do speak to them if you have any concerns."

Meanwhile, the force is continuing to follow up enquiries into the 1st March rape, which saw officers cordon off a car park on Testwood Lane.

On Monday, a description was released of a man being sought in connection with the attack.

He was white, in his early 20s, with brown hair, a large nose and a spotty face. Detectives believe he can help with the investigation.

DI Shawley said: "I want to thank everyone who has come forward with information in relation to this investigation, your help and concern is greatly appreciated.

"We are now following up a number of lines of enquiry after a description of the man we want to identify was shared earlier this week."

Anyone with information should contact officers online via hampshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 44250092935.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.