Police investigating a reported rape of a 15-year-old girl in the sea off Bournemouth beach have released an e-fit of her suspected attacker in a fresh appeal for information.

The incident happened in the water close to the Oceanarium at about 3.30pm on Sunday 18 July.

Detectives in Dorset said the victim had been with her friends playing with a ball when it landed in front of a teenage boy.

He eventually threw the ball 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 he raped her.

The offender told the victim he was 17 years old and was travelling to Birmingham. It is believed he is from the West Midlands city.

He is described as possibly of Pakistani descent and with tanned skin.

He is believed to be between 5ft and 5ft 7in tall and of a thin but muscular build with short dark hair that was pushed back and looked freshly trimmed.

And the offender was wearing black or grey swimming shorts.

Detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) have launched an investigation into the incident.

Officers say they have had 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.

They are asking anyone who has exchanged Snapchat messages with someone who approached them on the beach that day to please officers.

Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of MCIT, said: “The victim is continuing to be supported by officers and we have been carrying out a large number of enquiries into this incident.

“As part of our investigation we have obtained forensic evidence that means we will be able to eliminate anyone who was not involved from our enquiries.

“We have now obtained an e-fit image of the suspect and I would urge anyone who recognises him to please get in touch.

“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.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Harris, of Bournemouth police, said: “I understand this incident will have caused concern for the wider community. We continue to work collaboratively with BCP Council and other partner agencies to step up patrols along the seafront and these efforts will continue throughout the summer.”

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