£10,000 reward to catch rapist

Detectives hunting a rapist who attacked a woman near a railway line announced a £10,000 reward today for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

West Mercia Police said it hoped the reward would prompt more people to come forward with information about the attack in Telford, Shropshire, on 11 June.

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Although initially we appealed for information about this incident with reference to a serious sexual assault, I can confirm that the victim was raped.

"I am confirming this detail so that anyone who may be withholding information about this case is left in no doubt about quite how serious this attack was."

The victim, aged in her 20s, was attacked at around 5pm in a wooded area after being confronted by the offender on a footpath near the A442 as she walked towards the Randlay area.

Mr Tonks said: "A team of officers remain dedicated to this case and we will once again be distributing posters and leaflets - displaying the artist's impression of the offender we released last month - across Telford over the next few days in the hope that people will come forward with new information.

"I'd like to reassure the community that we continue to do all we can to trace the man responsible for this rape and ask that, although incidents of this nature remain extremely rare in Telford and Wrekin, local people remain vigilant and report to police any behaviour that they believe to be suspicious."

Anyone who believes they may have information that could be useful to the investigation is asked to call CID in Telford on 0300 333 3000 or the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.