Detectives have issued a renewed television appeal as they continue to investigate a report of rape at Bournemouth Beach.
Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) is continuing to carry out enquiries into the incident, which occurred at around 4pm on Sunday 18 July 2021 in the sea near to the Oceanarium.
The victim – a girl who was aged 15 – was with her friends playing with a ball when it landed in front of a teenage boy.
The boy 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 that he raped her.
The offender told the victim that he was 17 years old, he was from Birmingham and his name was ‘Dabby’. He is described as possibly of Asian descent and with tanned skin, around five feet six 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.
An appeal was first broadcast in relation to the investigation on BBC One’s Crimewatch Live on Monday 6 September 2021.
Detectives have continued to investigate the incident and have remained in contact with the Crimewatch team. The appeal was broadcast again as part of the latest series on Tuesday 15 March 2022.
Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We owe it to the victim in this case to continue to explore every line of enquiry available to us and I am grateful to Crimewatch Live for helping to share our appeal again.
“The investigative work to date indicates the suspect is believed to be from the West Midlands area and we are continuing to work with the National Crime Agency, West Midlands Police and other partner agencies.
“We are keeping the victim and her family updated with our investigation and are doing everything we can to support them.”
Detectives have forensic evidence that means they can eliminate anyone who was not involved from their investigation.
Following the appeal in September 2021, a number of responses were received and 17-year-old boy from Warwickshire was arrested in connection with the incident, however, he was subsequently released without charge.
DI Seymour said: “I hope this demonstrates to anyone who is in two minds about coming forward that if the person is not involved, due to the forensic evidence they can quickly be eliminated from our enquiries.”
Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210115587. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111
PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH https://dorseteye.com/donate/
