AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a man exposed himself to a woman in a Winchester graveyard and then punched her in the face.

Students and residents have been urged to walk through West Hill Cemetery in groups after the attack which happened at 12.45pm on November 10.

Stanmore PCSO Gavin Cooper told a Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting on Monday: “It just goes to show there are individuals out there who don’t care what time of day it is. I would steer clear of the cemetery — that’s my personal view — if you’re alone. If you’re in groups, fine.”

The cemetery is used by students as a shortcut to Winchester University from St James Lane but is closed at night.

No details of the alleged victim, who was left with minor injuries, were revealed.

After the meeting PCSO Cooper told the Chronicle: “I’ve not come across anything like that in my years working. Hopefully it’s a one-off and we don’t see it again.”

Winchester CID has “a few leads” on the case, he added, but no suspects have been identified.

Sgt Andy Fisher said: “The victim was left extremely shaken by this incident and we would urge anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area to contact us.

“We have been carrying out extra patrols to offer reassurance in the area and there have been no further incidents of this nature reported.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where information can be left anonymously.