POLICE detectives are continuing to explore various lines of enquiry in relation to the rape of a 15-year-old girl in the water off Bournemouth beach.
Officers from Dorset Police are being assisted by the National Crime Agency and received a large response following the release of an e-fit image of the sex attack suspect.
As reported, an investigation was launched by the force in relation to the assault, which took place at around 3.30pm in the sea near the Oceanarium on Sunday, July 18.
Providing an update to the Daily Echo, Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We have received a large amount of responses to our latest appeal and I would like to thank everyone who shared and responded to the appeal.
“We are continuing to explore a number of lines of enquiry and are being supported in our investigation with expert advice from the National Crime Agency (NCA). The victim is being kept fully updated and specialist officers are supporting her.
“I would continue to appeal for anyone with information that might assist our investigation to please come forward.”
Dorset Police said the victim, a 15-year-old girl, was with her friends playing with a ball when it landed in front of a teenage boy.
The boy eventually threw it back to one of the group and then began talking to the victim, before pulling her out deeper into the sea where it is reported that he raped her.
The offender told the victim that he was 17 years old and was travelling to Birmingham.
He is described as possibly of Pakistani descent and with tanned skin, between five feet and five feet seven inches tall and of a thin but muscular build with short dark hair that was pushed back and looked freshly trimmed.
He was wearing black or grey swimming shorts.
In a previous statement, DI Seymour said: “We have also received a number of reports of young Asian men approaching female beachgoers on the date of the incident, some of whom may have exchanged messages on Snapchat.
“I would urge anyone who has exchanged Snapchat messages with someone who approached them on the beach that day to please make contact with us as it may assist our investigation.
“In addition I would like to renew our appeal to anyone who was on the beach in the vicinity of the Oceanarium to check any photographs or video footage taken to see if they have captured anything of relevance.”
Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police, quoting occurrence number 55210115587. Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.
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