It was reported that at around 4pm on Sunday 18 July 2021 a 15-year-old girl was with friends in the sea near to the Oceanarium when she began talking to a teenage boy. The boy reportedly pulled her deeper into the sea, where he raped her.

Following enquiries by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), a 17-year-old boy from the Warwickshire area was arrested on the morning of 24 September 2021.

Following further investigation work by detectives, he has now been released without charge.

Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of MCIT, said: “We are continuing to support the victim in this case and have kept her fully updated.

“Our investigation is ongoing and we will do all we can to identify the person responsible for this despicable crime. I would again urge anyone with information to please come forward.

“As we have previously stated, we do have forensic evidence available that means we can quickly eliminate anyone who was not involved from our enquiries.”

Anyone with information, images or footage relevant to the investigation to submit it via the UK Police Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/55HQ21M71-PO1

Anyone with information can also contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210115587. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.