A 16-year-old boy was hit over the head and raped in a traumatic attack in woodlands in St Albans.

The victim was walking in Jersey Farm Woodland Park in Sandringham Crescent on Thursday, April 4, between 3.30pm and 4.30pm, when he was approached by the offender.

He was struck over the head with a large object and then raped in an attack described as "traumatic" by Detective Constable Natalie Bannister.

"This was an incredibly difficult experience for the victim to deal with who is being supported by specialist teams," she said.

"Due to the traumatic nature of the incident, the victim did not feel able to report the incident immediately.

"Because of the unusual circumstances, we are appealing to the public at this stage as part our extensive enquiries ongoing regarding the incident.

"If you remember seeing someone acting suspiciously around the area at the time, please contact police.

"If anyone has information, no matter how big or small you think it is, please contact me."

Chief Inspector Ady Lysak added: "St Albans has a strong community, and I am hopeful that someone out there has information about this terrible incident.

“I want to reassure the victim that we are doing all we can to investigate, and I urge anyone who has information to report it."

Anyone with information is asked to email natalie.bannister@herts.police.uk.

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/39318/23.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.