DETECTIVES investigating the rape of a 15-year-old girl at Bournemouth beach have released an e-fit image of the suspect.

The teenaged victim was raped in the water off the beach after being pulled out deeper into the sea by her attacker.

She'd been playing with friends on the beach near Bournemouth Oceanarium when their ball landed in front of a teenage boy.

He eventually threw it back to one of the group then began talking to the victim, before pulling her out to sea and raping her.

Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (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."

The boy told his victim that he was 17 years old and travelling to Birmingham.

He is described as possibly of Pakistani descent and with tanned skin, between five feet five inches and of thin, muscular build with short, dark hair that was pushed back and looked freshly trimmed.

He wore black or grey swimming shorts.

Detective Inspector 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.”

Meanwhile, 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.

"Police officers, police community support officers, Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) officers, council staff and the RNLI will have a visible presence on the seafront and can be approached by members of the public with any concerns.”

Detectives are urging anyone with information, images or footage relevant to the investigation to submit it via the UK Police Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/55HQ21M71-PO1

Anyone with information can also contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210115587.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.