An attempted abduction case has shaken the university community.

On Sunday 18th October a man attempted to abduct a 19-year-old student who was walking home from Hartley Library on Highfield campus at 7:15pm.

The woman was grabbed by an unidentified man from behind who covered her mouth with his hand. She drew attention to the situation by struggling and screaming, which eventually led to three passers-by coming to help. The man ran, and got away along Highfield Crescent, despite being chased by one of the nearby people that came to the victim’s aid.

A team of police from Bitterne CID are working on the investigation, named Operation Enforced, which has seen increased patrols put on the streets around the Highfield area. The team are asking anyone who may have information of potential value to come forward, specifically anyone who saw or knows of the attacker.

The attacker is being described as a 5ft 11” male of a large build and has long, dark, curly hair. It is also possible that he may be of tanned complexion, and at the time of the crime he was wearing a red top. The victim has also stated that he smelt of body odour. A 20-year-old man from Southampton was detained two days after the attack but has since been released and is reported to have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The incident occurred on Church Lane, a road used daily by the majority of students that live in Portswood, and has acted as an alarm bell for students and residents alike.

SUSU’s Vice President of Welfare and Societies, Sophie Patterson, said ‘It’s really scary to think that something so horrible could happen anywhere, and it’s particularly frightening when it’s on our door step. We all know statistically that Southampton is a very safe city, but that makes no difference to the student that was attacked. I and everyone who works at SUSU take Students’ personal safety very seriously, however I feel this may come as a distressing wake-up call for some students who may have been taking unnecessary risks.’

The police are calling for potential witnesses. Detective Sergeant Emma Penson said, ‘The victim is thankfully unhurt but was understandably terrified by her ordeal. She is still very shaken as she believed that the motive for the attack was sexual and told police that she thought that she was going to be raped.’

The incident has coincidentally come at a time when the Students’ Union is due to run a stay safe campaign. Stalls will be set up at all campuses providing information on safety busses as well as opportunities to sign up to self defence classes. Attack alarms are also due to be stocked behind Union bars and the porters’ desk, costing £1.50 each.

Safety Tips

• During the hours of darkness always try and walk to your destination with a friend or consider taking a taxi. If you must walk alone, let a friend know the route you will be taking and what time you are due to arrive. Call or text them to let them know you have arrived safely.

•  Always stick to busy well lit roads and avoid any shortcuts through alleyways or parks. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid listening to music.

•  If you are unfamiliar with the area make sure you look at a map before you leave and plan your route, and if you carry an attack alarm, make sure it is at hand and not at the bottom of your bag.

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