Sexual Assault in Highfield

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of a sexual assault on a student on her way home after a night out. All too often, women have been preyed on by attackers waiting for […]


This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of a sexual assault on a student on her way home after a night out.

All too often, women have been preyed on by attackers waiting for a lost or alone victim on the streets of Southampton. On Tuesday 26th February at 3.30am, an 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on Welbeck Avenue, close to University Road. She was lost on her way home from a night out and was grabbed, thankfully, she got away physically unharmed.

Police believe this man may be an important witness (click to enlarge)

Police have released a CCTV image of a man who could help with their enquiries (pictured, right). He is thought to be an important witness and is described as wearing a long dark trench coat and is tall. He was seen walking from the direction of Welbeck Avenue at around the time of the incident.

The attacker has been described as a white male, about 24 years of age with a large forehead and wearing dark clothing.

Student Services remind students of personal safety and security issues:

When walking home from campus or from a night out, be alert and do not walk alone through isolated areas which could make you more vulnerable. Avoid taking short cuts even if you are late and only use roads that are well-lit and well-travelled, avoiding dark alleyways and parks.

They offer maps to inform walkers and cyclists about the alternative high-visibility routes they can take between Burgess Road and Highfield Avenue available.

They also advise students to invest in a personal alarm which you can purchase at the SUSU shop.

After hearing this story, Elisha Tagart, a second year law student, told The Tab:

It’s sad that hearing these stories is all too familiar in Southampton and it’s the reason I wouldn’t risk being alone at night.

SUSU has safety tips on their website. The safest option is to get the Safety Bus or a taxi, and even if you are left penniless at the end of your night, Radio Taxis also runs in conjunction with SUSU to get you home safe. 

If you have any information about this incident, officers are asking that you contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.