Hunt for suspect after woman dragged off busy street and raped in Covent Garden

New CCTV footage has been released in the hunt for a rapist who attacked a woman in central London.

The victim, aged in her 20s, was approached by a man as she walked through the crowded streets of Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus and Drury Lane early on Saturday, August 22.

He dragged her into a doorway in Macklin Street before raping her.

The woman left the scene and made a report to police shortly after the attack, which happened at around 5.20am.

Scotland Yard issued a wanted appeal for the suspect, described as white, 5ft 8ins tall with short brown hair.

The Met has now renewed that appeal after obtaining moving footage of the alleged attacker.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley said: ‘Since this offense occurred, my team has diligently pursued every available line of enquiry and identifying this man remains a priority for us, as does supporting the victim.

‘Through extensive CCTV enquiries, we have established that the man we are working to trace spent a considerable amount of time moving alone throughout the West End and through some of London’s busiest streets during at least a two-hour time period.

‘I believe there is a strong likelihood that someone will recognize him from his appearance, clothing, movements or his presence within the area during the early hours of that Saturday morning.

‘While there is no evidence at this stage that links this offense to any others, it is vital that we speak to this man as soon as possible.

‘If you know who this man is, now is the time to come forward.

‘Please do not assume someone else has already contacted us.

‘The piece of information you hold, however small or seemingly insignificant, could be key.’

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