POLICE have received “a number of calls” following the appeal for information on the rape of a 15-year-old girl on Bournemouth beach.

The attack, which happened on Sunday, July 18, featured on BBC’s Crimnewatch on Monday, with host Rav Wilding saying on Thursday that the force has received names to look into.

He said: “Following our appeal the police received a number of calls both to our studio and their call room with possible names and other information which the investigation team are looking into.”

Bournemouth Echo:

It was revealed on Monday’s show 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.

Providing an update, detective inspector Andrew Seymour, of Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Unit, said: "We have had a number of responses to the Crimewatch appeal that has resulted in a number of names and other information being put forward that officers are looking into.

“The broadcast has also resulted in calls being made directly to Dorset Police, which have also generated other lines of enquiry.

“We would continue to urge anyone with information to please come forward.”

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