POLICE hunting a rapist have issued a fresh appeal to members of the public after an 18 year old woman was attacked in a Southampton park.

They say the man may have been following other women in the hours leading up to the attack on December 2.

Now Detective Inspector Roger Wood said the force wants to hear from anyone who has CCTV of a man with an "interesting gait" seen in the hours before and after the incident at Riverside Park.

The man is believed to be in his 20s or 30s, possibly had facial stubble at the time of the attack and was wearing a dark, possibly a green hoodie.

Police believe he may have also been drinking a bottle of beer and are asking residents and business owners in the area around Woodmill Lane to check their CCTV footage.

A portal was opened on the Hampshire police website where members of the public can upload information.

Speaking to the Daily Echo DI Wood said: “We think this male has been following other women and he was seen smoking and drinking bottles of beer.

“We are really interested in hearing from members of the public or a local business that served somebody.

“He is described as having an interesting walk or gait, almost making short steps.

“We are doing a lot of work to try and identify this guy. If people have CCTV it might just lead to a breakthrough.”

A Hampshire police spokesperson added: "We have received reports that other women have been followed along Woodmill Lane in similar circumstances and the man has a similar description."

On December 11 police released CCTV images of a man they want to trace.

The footage shows the 18-year-old victim being followed along Wessex Lane minutes before she was attacked in nearby Riverside Park.

Police issued the images as it emerged that at least two other women have been followed in the same area.

Detective Inspector Matt Barcraft-Barnes said: “We know it’s dark and we can’t see his face but you might recognise the way he walks together with his description - it’s really important we find this man.