Detectives investigating the rape of a 15-year-old girl in Dorchester are renewing their appeal as they revealed they have obtained a DNA profile for the offender.

The offence occurred in a field at St Osmund’s School in Barnes Way shortly before 9.22pm on Thursday, December 5.

The victim was walking along the field when it is reported she was approached from behind by a man – who was carrying a Swiss army-style knife – and forced onto the ground before being sexually assaulted.

The offender is described as white and aged between mid 20s and around 55 years old. He was wearing a grey Puffa-style jacket with the hood up as well as light coloured trousers and leather gloves.

Detectives Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We are continuing to support the victim as we carry out extensive enquiries in relation to this investigation and I can confirm that we have obtained a DNA profile for the offender.

“This means that we can quickly and definitively eliminate anyone from our enquiry if they were not involved and therefore I would urge anyone who has any information or suspicion relating to an individual to please contact us. Equally, we can easily establish if someone was responsible if they provide a match to the DNA profile.

“I would also like to reiterate our previous appeals for anyone who witnessed a man in the area around the time of the offence wearing clothing matching the description given to contact us and for residents to check their home CCTV systems and dashcams on the night in question.

“I would like to thank those who have responded to our appeals so far and would urge anyone else with information relating to the incident, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to please get in touch.

“We recognise the impact this offence has had on the community in Dorchester and our local officers have been working hard to engage with and reassure members of the public. They continue to provide an additional presence in the area and can be approached with any concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190191713. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.