DETECTIVES investigating the rape of a teenage girl in 2014 have issued a renewed appeal for information.

At around 5.30pm on September 11, 2014, the victim was walking near the Thornwood Common area in Essex when she was asked by a man to help him find his dog.

While walking with the suspect, the victim was led to a secluded spot and raped.

The rape was disclosed to officers in September 2016, and an investigation was launched by the Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team.

Police now believe that the suspect may have been passing through the county, due to the distinctive description provided by the victim, and the fact that nobody in Essex has come forward with information about him.

Detective Inspector Mark Barber said: “We are renewing our appeal because we believe there is someone out there who either knows the suspect or has information about his whereabouts, or who believes they may have crossed paths with him.

“As with all investigations, we remain open minded, however we do now believe there is a strong possibility that this person was passing through the county or may have left the area.

“This is likely to have been an opportunistic attack, nonetheless, it has the hallmarks of an individual who had given thought to how he could trick a victim of such a young age, and it may not have been the first time he had employed this tactic in order to offend.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Police have released an e-fit of a man who they would like to interview as part of a national appeal

“Please contact us if you recognise the man in the efit, saw something out of place in the area on the day, or believe you know have information which could help us identify this person.”

In a statement, the victim's family said: "Our daughter changed. It was easy at first to put it down to growing up and the usual teen angst.

"She used to be so happy, carefree and open. Then she became withdrawn. Spending more and more time alone. She was angry with everyone and everything. Most of her anger was directed at herself. She was cutting herself. Keeping a collection of blades hidden around her belongings. We moved her out of her room to share with her siblings. We tried to make sure she was never alone.

"We worked with school and the local young persons’ mental health services. We tried counselling alone and as a family. Both sets of grandparents tried to help but we could never pin point the reason for all the changes.

"Our home environment was so negative and her siblings were picking up on the atmosphere. It was exhausting and ran out of ideas. "With hindsight, we know the reasons. Hindsight however does not remove the scars.

"It all came to a head one morning when she took too much medication. Just after dropping her at school in received a call. I was told she'd overdosed and the ambulance was on its way.

"Thank heavens no permanent damage was done. "She'd confided in the paramedic about her attack and asked her to tell me. So many emotions flooded over me, horror, fear, sadness, anger but most of all guilt. As a mum I failed to protect her and she had dealt with this weight alone for years. I should have known.

"When I was able to see her in held her tight and never wanted to let her out of my sight again.

"That was the day it all became too much. She had to lighten the burden.

"One of the most difficult things for me was watching our little girl go through the attack all over again. She was in a small room with the interviewer and I had to watch her statement recording on a little screen. I felt so helpless. I wanted to scoop her up and stop her hurt. Restore her stolen innocence. Stop her ever having to recall that vile act again.

"Then came the photo fit. My mother-in-law sat with her for that. She said it was obvious that she'd never forget his face because of the detail she recalled. His image is now engraved on all of our brains.

"Then the appointment at the STI clinic. Our baby had to suffer the indignity of all the tests. Awaiting the results was excruciating. All the possible outcomes were going through my head, whilst trying to play down the seriousness of them.

"We're slowly healing our family. Our daughter is rebuilding her life.

"There are more smiles and laughter than tears and anger. We're able to make long term plans.

"Our amazing, wonderful, strong daughter has found her ambition and knows she deserves a future full of happiness and success.

"From time to time though I'll see the memory rear its head in the form of a panic attack, overwhelming sadness or catch her in a faraway look.

"We're strong, and realise that some people who are attacked, don't escape with their lives. Families never know what happened. Don't get to see their loved ones grow up and make a life for themselves. We'll do whatever it takes to stop this monster from doing this or worse ever again."

Anyone who may be able to help police with their enquiry should call 101 and ask to speak to Essex police