POLICE have launched a hunt for three people who raced to the aid of a woman who was raped in an alley behind a Southampton tattoo parlour.

Officers want to track down the man and a two women who came to the aid of the victim in Shirley in the early hours of yesterday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to help its investigation into the allegation, which happened at around 1.30am, in Howards Grove, in an alley behind Guys and Dolls Tattoo and Piercing Studio.

The victim, a woman aged in her 20s, is receiving support from specialist officers and enquiries are ongoing to establish the details of what happened.

Officers want to speak with three witnesses in particular – one man and two women - who came to the aid of the victim shortly after the incident.

"If you are one of these three people then please call us on 101," said a police spokesman.

"A 24-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of rape as part of this investigation.

"He remains in custody at this time.

"If you saw what happened or have any information that could assist police, please call us on 101 quoting 44180205609, or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Residents nearby said they heard the police at the scene, but officers could not confirm what had happened at the time.