An e-fit of a teenager who allegedly raped a schoolgirl in the sea has been released as detectives continue to hunt for the suspect.

The 15-year-old girl was playing with her friends in the water on July 18 – one of the hottest days of the year – when her ball landed close to a teenage boy.

He eventually threw the ball back to the group and began chatting to the victim in the water off Bournemouth beach, near the Oceanarium, in Dorset.

The suspect then pulled her into deeper water close to Bournemouth Pier and allegedly raped her in the sea in front of a packed beach at about 3.30pm.

Police are yet to find the suspect and have now released an e-fit picture in the hopes that someone will recognise him.

The teenager had told the victim he was 17 years old and that he was travelling to Birmingham – where police believe he lives.

He is shown in the mock-up image with a slit in his eyebrow and short, dark hair.

Police said the suspect is described as possibly of Pakistani descent, with tanned skin, between 5ft and 5ft7 tall, and has a thin but muscular build.

He has short dark hair that was pushed back and looked freshly trimmed at the time, and was wearing black or grey swimming shorts.

Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Dorset Police, said: ‘As part of our investigation we have obtained forensic evidence that means we will be able to eliminate anyone who was not involved from our enquiries.’

He added that police have received ‘a number of reports of young Asian men approaching female beachgoers’ on the day – some of whom may have since exchanged messages on Snapchat.

‘I would urge anyone who has exchanged Snapchat messages with someone who approached them on the beach that day to please make contact with us as it may assist our investigation,’ added the inspector.

He added that the victim is being supported by officers as they carry out inquiries.

Darren Harris, of Bournemouth police, said: ‘I understand this incident will have caused concern for the wider community.

‘We continue to work collaboratively with BCP Council and other partner agencies to step up patrols along the seafront and these efforts will continue throughout the summer.’

He said officers, council staff and the RNLI will have a visible presence on the seafront and urged beachgoers to speak to them if they have any concerns.

Police urged anyone who took photos or videos ‘in the vicinity’ of the Oceanarium on Sunday July 18 to submit them via the UK Police Major Incident Public Portal or call 101.

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