Officers from Bedfordshire Police’s Public Protection Unit have released an e-fit image and are appealing for information, after a boy recently reported being raped in Bromham in 2018.
In late August 2018, the 12-year-old boy was running towards Bromham Bridge from Bedford at around 6pm.
He was grabbed from behind by a man, and taken to a car that was parked nearby where he was raped.
The boy managed to escape his attacker after 15 minutes and ran home.
The man is described as then being in his late 30s or early 40s, around 6 foot, with ginger hair and stubble. He was wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a zip up hoodie.
It is believed the car was a black five-door model Ford Focus or Fiesta.
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, you can report it online via crowd.in/DUVaL8 or via Bedfordshire Police’s webchat facility, quoting reference 40/65136/20.
You can also contact Beds Police on 101 or contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.