Police have released CCTV images of a man they “urgently need to identify” after the rape of a woman near Bank in the City of London.

The victim was attacked around 3am on  Friday, December 7, in St Michael’s Alley, off Cornhill, in London’s financial district.

Commander Jane Gyford of the City of London Police said: “This was a distressing attack on a young woman in the very heart of our City.

“We have identified from CCTV footage a man we need to speak to and if you recognise this person, it is vitally important you get in touch with police immediately.”

CCTV still of the suspect City of Police wish to speak to regarding the rape of a woman near Bank. (City of London Police).

CCTV still of the suspect City of Police wish to speak to regarding the rape of a woman near Bank. (City of London Police).Detectives have also identified a key female witness they wish to speak to.

CCTV shows the man walking south on Norton Folgate in the Hoxton area at 2.30am.

He approached and spoke to a white woman with blonde hair and walked with her into Worship Street.

The man is described as white, possibly olive skinned, with brown hair and a slim build. He was wearing black trousers, a black blazer and a black scarf.

The police have urged the woman he approached to come forward as she may hold vital information which may help their investigation.

Unknown female police need to speak to who was approached by the suspected attacker on Worship Street, Hoxton. (City of London Police).
Unknown female police need to speak to who was approached by the suspected attacker on Worship Street, Hoxton. (City of London Police).

Commander Gyford said: “I want to stress, this woman is not in any trouble. She may be able to provide key information to us about the man who spoke to her.

“We would also like to establish that she’s OK. Anything she can tell us would be extremely useful.”

The CCTV shows the man at 2.45am walking along Liverpool Street into Old Broad Street and then along Threadneedle Street.

He is then seen outside a bar on Cornhill, the main road connected to St Michael’s Alley, where the attack took place.

CCTV still of the suspect City of Police wish to speak to regarding the rape of a woman near Bank. (City of London Police).

CCTV still of the suspect City of Police wish to speak to regarding the rape of a woman near Bank. (City of London Police).He is then seen leaving the area and heading south of the River Thames.

He is last pictured on CCTV at 3.30am walking over London Bridge and entering the area of Clink Street.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0207 601 2988.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via http://mipp.police.uk by quoting ‘Op Kaus’.