A MAN has been charged with raping a schoolgirl in a city centre park.
The 14-year-old girl was attacked in Houndwell Park, Southampton, at about 10.30pm on Saturday.
Detectives said they had arrested 43-year-old Nicholas Foreman, from Christchurch, following the rape.
He has been charged with three counts of rape and one count of assault.
Foreman was remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates in the city on Wednesday.
He will next appear at Southampton Crown Court on March 17.
Police said the victim was being supported by specialist officers.
A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “A 43-year-old man has been charged following the rape of a 14-year-old girl in Southampton.
“It was reported that at around 10.30pm on Saturday the girl was raped in Houndwell Park. She is being supported by specialist officers.
“Nicholas Foreman, of Christchurch, Dorset has been charged with three counts of rape and one count of assault.
“He appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court today (Wed), where he was remanded into custody.
“He will next appear at Southampton Crown Court on Monday March 17.”
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