A MAN has been arrested after a teenager was sexually assaulted in a Hampshire play area.

The 17-year-old victim was pulled to the ground and indecently assaulted by a man who had approached her and started trying to talk to her as she walked across the park area between Redbridge Hill and Irving Road in Southampton last night.

The girl managed to get away and ran home, where she told her parents about her ordeal.

Police say she has been left shocked and upset by the attack, and have stepped up extra patrols in the area.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw the incident, or either the teenager or someone hanging around the area near Sturminster House at around 11.40pm to come forward.

The attacker is described as black and of stocky build with short or shaved hair. He was wearing dark trousers and a white track suit top.

Police arrested a 44-year-old man from Southampton last night and he was being questioned today, while police continue house to house enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Shirley CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.