NO FURTHER arrests have been made by detectives over the rape of a teenage girl in the sea off Bournemouth beach.

Dorset Police is continuing its investigation over the sexual assault of the 15-year-old, which took place at the height of summer on Sunday, July 18.

The senior investigating officer said the force is still exploring "a number of lines of enquiry".

As reported, the victim was with her friends playing with a ball when it landed in front of a teenage boy at around 4pm.

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'.

Officers arrested a 17-year-old from the Warwickshire area in late September, however, he was released without charge.

Providing an update as the investigation enters a fifth month, Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our investigation remains ongoing and we are continuing to explore a number of different lines of enquiry. Our 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.

“The victim’s family is being kept updated with the progress of our investigation and we are doing all we can to support them.

“We would continue to urge anyone with any information in relation to this incident to please come forward and report it to us.”

In early September, police took part in a televised appeal on BBC One's Crimewatch Live in an attempt to aid the investigation.

The Crimewatch Live programme featured a reconstruction of events, including a statement from the victim read by an actress.

The force has also issued an e-fit image of the suspect, who 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.

DI Seymour said police have forensic evidence that means they can eliminate anyone who was not involved from their enquiries.

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk 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.