Schoolgirl, 14, ambushed and raped as she walked home, as cops launch desperate hunt for attacker
A GIRL of 14 was ambushed and raped by a stranger as she walked home, detectives revealed tonight.
The child was walking past an alleyway near a public house called the Man in the Moon when she was grabbed and raped by a man.
The shocking attack happened late on Thursday night in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
The rape is being investigated by detectives from Hertfordshire Constabulary which is also investigating a murder of a 20-year-old man in woodland in Stevenage.
A spokesman for the force said tonight: "Detectives investigating the reported rape of a girl in Stevenage are appealing for witnesses and information.
"The incident happened at around 11.30pm yesterday in Broadwater Crescent, Stevenage.
"It was reported that the victim, a 14 year old girl, was walking past the alleyway near the Man In The Moon pub, when an unknown male approached her before sexually assaulting her.
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"The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.";
Detective Inspector Michael Macbeth said: “I understand this will be hugely concerning to the local community and I would like to reassure people that we are conducting extensive inquiries in order to identify the offender.
“The suspect was described as being of slim build and around 5ft 9ins tall. He was said to have short brown hair and stubble and was wearing grey Nike joggers, a black zipped up hoodie and white Nike trainers.
“If you believe you saw someone matching that description in the area around the time specified, please get in contact.
"If you were driving in the area around the time of the incident and have a dash cam, please check it and get in contact if you spot something that might help.
“Alternatively, if you have any information, please get in touch with police as soon as possible. Even something that may seem relatively minor or insignificant could be vital to our investigation.”