New CCTV released after Portsmouth hammer attack

Police released the two stills after running a reconstruction of a suspect’s footsteps today in Queen Street and Commercial Road, Portsmouth.

The girl is in a stable condition in hospital but has suffered a ‘life-changing’ head injury in the attack in Shearer Road, Fratton, on April 11, police said.

Detectives from Hampshire police’s major crime team are treating it as an attempted murder.

Portsmouth Football Club showed the witness appeal on their screens at the game against Wycombe at Fratton Park.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Williams said: ‘We have had a very positive response to our appeals for information so far but we are continuing to use every opportunity to engage with the community to identify this man.

‘We believe someone knows who he is and I would urge anyone with any information 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 urge people to look at this CCTV and contact either the police or Crimestoppers.’

Police believe the man was in Queen Street, Portsea, on April 9.

Although police are currently treating the incident as an isolated one, they have increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the community.

Portsmouth’s Chief Inspector Jim Pegler said: ‘Clearly we need to hear from anyone who has any information about this crime but we understand people may be nervous about contacting police.

‘Anyone who wants to give information anonymously can do so by contacting the Crimestoppers charity.’

Call police on 101 quoting Operation Gather or call the charity on 0800 555 111.