18 year-old woman raped in Bedford
It happened on Friday night (16 April) at around 9pm
An 18 year-old woman has been raped in Bedford.
She was with a younger girl in some woods near to The Spinney at around 9pm on Friday (16 April), when they were approached by a man.
He engaged in conversation with them, and then raped her.
The man fled the scene in the direction of the Travelodge hotel on Goldington Road.
The offender has been described as black, around 6 feet tall, with braided hair, and was wearing a navy blue Adidas tracksuit.
Detective Inspector Michelle Lack, from our RASSO team, which investigates sexual offences, said:
"We are taking this incident extremely seriously and wish to find this man as soon as possible.
"This attack was extremely distressing for this young woman and her friend, and our team of specialist officers is working with them and supporting them.
"We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, or anyone who may have seen this man.
"We understand that this will be concerning for local residents, and I’d like to reassure them that we are doing all we can to find the man responsible."
Anyone with information is asked to report it via Bedfordshire Police’s online reporting centre, quoting Operation Elegy.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Victims of rape and sexual assault can get support and guidance from Bedfordshire Police and partner agencies, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, as well as support through the criminal investigation process.
Reports can be made to police on 101.
People can also contact Bedfordshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre the Emerald Centre online, by emailing info@emeraldcentre.org or calling 01234 897052.