TODAY (Thursday) is exactly three months since a woman was raped in Stevenage, and police have staged a reconstruction to encourage new witnesses to come forward.

The incident occurred at about 6.30am on Wednesday, March 24, when the victim – a woman in her early 30s – was walking to work.

She was walking along the path which runs along Chequers Bridge Road towards Fairview Road when 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, and stopped in an underpass where she called for help.

A number of people passed the victim while she sat in a distressed state.

DC Kelly Adams, from Herts Police’s sexual offences investigation team, said: “This woman was subjected to an unimaginably frightening assault, and the rape has deeply affected her.

“We are determined to find out who this man is.”

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

Actors have been used in the reconstruction and the man playing the offender may not bear a resemblance to him.

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. He is described as black with light-coloured skin, aged between 18 and 30, and of slim build. He was clean shaven and wearing a light blue long-sleeved sweat shirt with dark cotton bottoms. He had running trainers which were dirty.

DC Adams said: “Did you see a man matching his description on the day of the offence or in the days prior? If you are this man I would urge you to make contact so we can eliminate you from our enquiries.

“You may think your information is small, but it could prove vital. Please call the investigating team on 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”