A man who raped a 12-year-old girl after becoming friends with her via a social media app has been jailed.

Driss Serhir, 21, of no fixed address, was found guilty of three counts of rape following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

However, police believe there could be other victims aged between 10 and 15 and say he has visited several places, including Hertfordshire, using different names.

Serhir is just starting a nine-year sentence after he was found guilty of raping a girl, 12, at a hotel in central London.

He met her when he was aged 18 on social media app Snapchat.

When she met Serhir in October 2019, he intimated he had a knife and firearm on him and took control of the victim’s mobile phone.

Serhir booked a hotel room where he sexually assaulted the girl several times before she left the next day.

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Watford Observer: Driss Serhir. Credit: Met PoliceDriss Serhir. Credit: Met Police

The girl reported the incident to police and Serhir was quickly identified and arrested.

Semen found on the girl’s clothing matched Serhir’s and it was proven his phone was used to book the room, despite him using a different name and paying in cash.

The seized phone also included videos of him with the girl in the room, while terms including ‘rape’ were found in his search history.

At Harrow Crown Court on Monday, Serhir was sentenced to nine years for each count of rape, to be served concurrently. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life and given a 15-year sexual harm and prevention order.

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Watford Observer: An investigation was carried out by the Metropolitan PoliceAn investigation was carried out by the Metropolitan Police (Image: PA)

Describing Serhir as a “predatory offender”, Sergeant PJ Jones said: “I wish to thank the survivor of this assault for her trust, resilience and patience. Without the continued support of her and her loved ones, this man would have remained a danger in the community.”

He added: “The investigation into Serhir’s movements and communications suggest he was in contact with many girls aged between ten and 15 and that he has visited Greater London, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and the West Midlands using several aliases.

“I would like to hear from anyone who recognises him or who has any concerns about his behaviour. We have specially trained officers and work alongside partners who can offer a wide range of support.”

Police can be contacted on 101 or online using reference 4798/18JUL22.