Crimewatch appeal leads to calls about Derbyshire rape case

The BBC reconstructed the incident, involving an 18-year-old girl, played by an actress, who was raped near a footpath close to a nature reserve off South Avenue in Darley Abbey on Monday, September 7, 2015, at 5.40pm.

The programme was aired on Thursday night at 9pm.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Cox, who appeared live in the Crimewatch studio, said: “Around 40 calls were received from members of the public and from this there are several lines of inquiry for officers to follow up.

“I would like to encourage the public to contact us with any information they may have in relation to this terrifying incident.

“We can quickly eliminate people from our inquiry due to forensic evidence that has been gathered previously.”

The decision to widen the plea for help to national television came after a number of appeals to the public left officers no closer to finding the man responsible. This included producing a life-size artist’s impression of the suspect.

The man was described as white, about 6ft tall and stocky. He was believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s, and was wearing a black hoodie, with a white zip, dark trousers that were possibly combats, and could have been wearing sunglasses.

Anyone who can help the investigation is being urged to call the police on 101 quoting crime reference 38460/15, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.