Detectives investigating the rape of a woman in Braintree have released a CCTV image of a man they want to interview.

The incident happened at about 1.55am on Saturday, July 12 in an alleyway behind The Lounge pub.

Dc Andrew Crouch of Essex Police, said: “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack by a man the victim had only just met at The Lounge. She doesn’t know his name and has no idea where he is from.

“The woman had been out with friends and they arrived at The Lounge at about midnight. We believe that the suspect had been at the Lounge some time before the woman arrived.

“We believe that other people at The Lounge might know who the suspect is and his name.”

The man is white, about 5ft 9in, of medium build, and was wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt with printed image on the front.

Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image, or anyone with any information about the assault, should contact Dc Crouch or his colleagues at the north sexual offences investigation team on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.