A RE-APPEAL for information about a rape in Stevenage will be broadcast on BBC1’s Crimewatch tonight (Wednesday).

During the 9pm programme a reconstruction of the incident, which occurred at about 6.30pm on Wednesday, March 24, will be shown in the hope new witnesses will come forward.

The victim, in her early 30s, was walking along the path which runs along Chequers Bridge Road towards Fairview Road.

It is believed a man approached her from behind and raped her, before running from the scene. It is thought he may have been disturbed by a passer-by or a car starting.

The woman ran out of Watson Road, along Fairview Road towards Stevenage Leisure Park, coming to a stop in an underpass where she called for help.

It is believed a number of people passed the victim while she sat in distress in the underpass.

The offender was wearing distinctive leather driving-style gloves, smelt of tobacco and may have been running, as he was out of breath.

A witness reported seeing a man acting suspiciously in the two days prior to the incident, at the same time in the morning. He has not been seen there since. The man is described as black with light-coloured skin, aged between 18 and 30, and of slim build. He was said to be clean shaven and wearing a light blue long-sleeved sweatshirt with dark cotton bottoms. He had running trainers on which were dirty.

DC Kelly Adams, from Herts Police’s sexual offences investigation team, is working on the case. She said: “We have carried out extensive enquiries and issued various media appeals to identify who is responsible for this terrifying incident.

“We continue to provide support to the victim, who is still deeply traumatised, and are determined to trace the offender so she can have some closure.

“We thank Crimewatch for assisting us with the investigation and we hope that people will watch and call us if they have any information, even if they think it may be trivial. Your call could prove vital to our investigation.”

If you believe you may have seen the incident occur, the woman or offender running from the scene, or a man acting suspiciously in the area previously, you are urged to call the investigating team via the non-emergency number on 0845 33 00 222 as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, an independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.