Teenage rape victim feared for her life

The 14-year-old girl raped in Hertfordshire on Friday evening has told police she feared for her life throughout the attack.

At a press conference on Monday Hertfordshire Police said the attack, on a footpath near Collenswood Road, Stevenage, could be linked to a serial sex attacker.

The so-called "trophy rapist" has struck eight times in and around the London area in the last year.

On Monday detectives hunting the girl's attacker said the victim had been extremely brave throughout her ordeal.

Detective Inspector Greg Cooper said on Monday: "It was a frightening experience for her but she is bearing up will and showing a lot of courage and has been a great help to us."

The girl's family is expected to make a statement to appeal for information about the attack.

Hertfordshire Police are working with officers from Operation Orb, an investigation into eight linked rapes and one assault in London and the south east since November of last year.

A police spokeswoman said detectives were not ruling out the possibility it was linked to Operation Orb.

"However, until detectives have the results of the forensic examinations, which are expected on Tuesday, it is not possible to give a definitive answer and officers are keeping an open mind," she added.