Bedfordshire police are appealing for information after an 18-year-old woman was raped in Bedford on Friday, April 16.
The teenager was with a younger girl in some woods near to The Spinney at around 9pm when they were approached by a man who engaged in conversation with them before he raped her.
The man fled the scene in the direction of the Travelodge hotel on Goldington Road.
He is described as black, around 6 feet tall, with braided hair. He was wearing a navy blue Adidas tracksuit.
Detective Inspector Michelle Lack 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 via the force’s online reporting centre, quoting Operation Elegy.
Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Victims of rape and sexual assault can receive support and guidance from Bedfordshire Police and partner agencies including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), as well as support through the criminal investigation process.
