February 2021

Police hunt for man after boy, 12, was bundled into back of car and raped while out for a run

*Police have released an e-fit image of the alleged attacker

Police are hunting for a man after a 12-year-old boy was bundled into the back of a car and raped.

The male victim, 12, was out on a run in Bromham near Bedford when he was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted in August 2018.

Bedfordshire Police have released an e-fit image and are appealing for information about the attack.

The man is described as then being in his late 30s or early 40s, around 6 foot tall, with ginger hair and stubble.

He was wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a zip up hoodie.

The victim was running towards Bromham Bridge at around 6pm in late August 2018, when he was grabbed by the man.

He was then taken to a car that was parked nearby – thought to be a black five-door model Ford Focus or Fiesta – and was brutally raped.

The brave 12-year-old escaped from his attacker 15 minutes later, and then ran home.

Detective Constable Rebecca Goodman, investigating, said: “It has taken great courage for a young boy to come forward now and report this shocking incident.

“This happened on a warm summer’s evening in a popular walking spot, and although we appreciate this was some time ago we hope something may stick in your memory about that evening.

“Do you recognise the man pictured? Did you see anyone acting suspiciously, or a boy running, and can now help us piece together the events of that evening.

“Any information, however small, could help us to progress this investigation

“If you were in the area at this time, regularly walk those routes, or have any information, please report online via https://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/report or via our webchat facility, quoting reference 40/65136/20.

“You can also contact us on 101. Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”