Detectives are appealing for two men who are believed to have spoken to a woman moments before she was raped in Colchester to come forward.

The victim, aged in her 20s, was approached by a man as she walked along Layer Road between 3.07am and 3.30am on Sunday, October 1.

The man hit her over the head and raped her.

She has been safeguarded and is being supported by specialist officers.

Essex Police has today released a CCTV image of two potential witnesses who detectives want to speak to in connection with the assault.

The CCTV was captured in the St Botolphs underpass at around 2.25am.

Detective Constable Kelly Blackwell said: “This was a really frightening attack in a public place.

“It’s really important we speak to the two men pictured as they could hold some key information.

“These kinds of attacks are really rare and it’s essential we find the person responsible.

“If you’re one of the men in the picture or you recognise them, please get in contact with us.”

Anyone with information should contact Dc Blackwell at the North Adult Sexual Assault Investigation Team on 101 extension 430855 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.