Woman, aged 18, raped in Bedford

Bedfordshire Police is appealing for information after an 18-year-old woman was raped in Bedford on Friday (April 16).

At around 9pm, the woman was with a younger girl in some woods near to The Spinney, when they were approached by a man who 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 is described as black, around 6ft, with braided hair. He was wearing a navy blue Adidas tracksuit.

Detective Inspector Michelle Lack, from Bedfordshire Police’s 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 via the force’s online reporting centre, quoting Operation Elegy.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.