NEWS FEED
Police investigating the attempted murder of a 17-year-old girl in Portsmouth are widening the search for the suspect.
Hampshire Constabulary officers are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image in connection with the attempted murder of the girl who was assaulted with a hammer at an address in Shearer Road, Portsmouth, just before 7pm on Monday, 11 April.
Police believe this man was in the area of Commercial Road/Edinburgh Road on Saturday, 9 April and have reason to believe he was in the Queen Street area of Portsea, Portsmouth, between 9–11 April.
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Williams said: “We have had a very positive response to our appeals for information so far in Portsmouth but we are continuing to use every opportunity to identify this man.
“Portsmouth is a busy city, which has good transport links to Dorset, Surrey, Sussex and London, and so we’re sharing our appeal in those areas and would urge anyone who knows this man to come forward. This was a vicious attack on a 17-year-old girl and she has been left with life-changing injuries.
“There is a £5,000 reward on offer for information that leads to a successful prosecution in this case so I would encourage people to look at this CCTV and contact either the police or Crimestoppers.”
If you have information, or recognise the man from the CCTV, please call police on 101 quoting Operation Gather. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Post updated on 3/5/2016: 28-year-old man from Portsmouth is in police custody.
