A HUNT has been launched for a sex attacker who struck in Southampton city centre.

Police said investigations are ongoing after a 20-year-old woman was “seriously” sexually assaulted near Asda in Portland Terrance in the early hours of Sunday.

Women across Southampton have been urged to be vigilant while civic chiefs have warned the number of crimes occurred across the city is on the rise.

This comes after another woman was assaulted in Middle Road, Sholing on Sunday afternoon.

Hampshire police were unable to confirm if they are linked.

But the force said the incident in Sholing is not being treated as a sexual assault.

The green area between Asda and the Portland Terrace carpark was cordoned off yesterday morning and officers were seen scouring hedges and bushes.

A spokesman for Hampshire police said the incident happened between 2.15am and 6.55am on December 16.

He added: “Enquiries are ongoing and we continue to try and ascertain the exact circumstances of what occurred.”

Officers are also probing an assault which happened in Middle Road, near the junction of Loane Road, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on December 16.

Police said a 22-year-old woman reported she was approached and assaulted by a man described as in his 50s or 60s.

“The woman suffered minor injuries. At this early stage of the investigation we are trying to ascertain the exact circumstances of what happened,” a spokesman for the force added.

The incidents come after a woman was raped in Riverside Park on December 2.

As previously reported, police launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward but have confirmed they are not linking the incident at Riverside Park with those in Portland Terrance and Middle Road.

However, women are urged to be extra vigilant.

City councillor Dave Shields, cabinet member for health and community safety, said he will be asking for more funding to support the police.

He added: “There has been an increase of all sort of crimes in the city. You can’t say this is nothing to do with the reduction of police presence and people are more desperate because of austerity.”

Following the sexual assault in Portland Terrance, a spokesperson for charity Yellow Door, which offers advice to victims of sexual violence, said: “We are saddened to hear the news of another sexual offence being committed, we work in partnership with other agencies including the police to help make Southampton a safe city.

“We echo what the police have said in advising people to take extra precautions to keep themselves safe.

“For anyone in need of our service please contact 02380 636312.”