Police hunt bearded man accused of raping teenager in park in Maidstone

Police are searching for a bearded man accused of raping a teenager in a park in Maidstone.

The victim, a woman in her late teens, was reportedly attacked in Brenchley Gardens, near Maidstone East rail station, between 2am and 3.10am on Sunday.

Kent Police said the suspect spoke to the victim in a bar earlier in the evening.

He then grabbed her before raping her as she walked home, police said.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

The suspect was described as white, in his early 20s, about 5ft 4in, with dark hair and a short dark beard.

He was wearing a white or grey top and dark jeans, police said.

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Detective Inspector Darren Reynolds, from Kent Police, said: "The suspect and victim were not known to each other but had spoken during the evening in a bar in Week Street.

"We are currently following a number of lines of inquiry to identify the suspect, and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or may have seen the suspect in Week Street, Station Road or Brenchley Gardens."

Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01622 604 100, quoting crime reference 46/215787/19.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or completing the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.