A MAN is due to appear in court after a teenage girl was allegedly raped in the sea at Bournemouth beach two summers ago. 

Police from the major crime investigation team have been carrying out detailed enquiries after receiving a report that a 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped in the sea near the Oceanarium on July 18, 2021. 

A 19-year-old from the Walsall area in the West Midlands was arrested in connection with the incident and has now been issued with a postal requisition to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 16.

Police have ordered him to appear over one offence of rape and four counts of sexual assault.

Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “Dorset Police takes all reports of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and we ensure victims are fully supported throughout the investigation.  

“In this case, extensive and lengthy enquiries, followed by a detailed submission to the Crown Prosecution Service, have led to them authorising charges in this case. 

“We have kept the victim and their family closely informed throughout and will continue this support through the court processes. 

“This matter is now the subject of court proceedings, and it would therefore be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this stage. 

“It is vital that the judicial process is allowed to follow its course and I would like to remind the public that there should be no commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.”