Girl, 14, 'abducted and raped'

Hertfordshire Police have released an E-fit image of the male suspect

Hertfordshire Police are appealing for anyone with information about the suspect to come forward (Hertfordshire Police)

Police are hunting for a man who allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl from Hertfordshire and kept her in an unknown location for nearly 12 hours overnight.

The teenage victim had been in the Haymead’s Lane area at around 8.30pm on 16 February, when a dark coloured vehicle, possibly a Land Rover with tinted back and rear passenger windows, approached her.

Hertfordshire Police said she was forced into the vehicle by the male driver and taken to an unknown location, which is believed to be outside the county, where she was sexually assaulted.

She was driven back to Bishop’s Stortford and dropped off in the vicinity of the train station at around 7.45am the following morning, according to police.

An E-fit image of a suspect has been released as part of investigations into the incident.

Chief Inspector Gerry McDonald said: "We have worked closely with the victim to generate this E-fit, which is a very good likeness to the offender. If you believe you can identify the man, please contact police or Crimestoppers with information.

"We have conducted a number of inquiries in the local area but would ask anyone who was around between the times mentioned above and who has not yet spoken to police to contact us if you have any information which may assist our investigation.

"I believe local people hold the key to our investigation so please don't be afraid to call if you think it is only a small piece of information you have, it could prove vitally important.

"This is an extremely serious matter and one which, understandably, has caused concern within the community.

"I would like to reiterate that this is an unusual incident and would reassure everyone that investigations into this incident are a priority and we are looking at every possible line of inquiry."