POLICE have released new CCTV as part of a rape investigation.
A woman in her 20s was dragged into a doorway and attacked in the early hours of August 22 in Covent Garden, central London.
She was approached by an unknown man as she walked through the crowded streets of Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus and Drury Lane.
Around 5.20am, the man dragged her into a doorway in Macklin Street before raping her.
The victim managed to flee and submitted a report to the police shortly after.
She continues to receive support from specialist officers and dedicated services.
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Detectives conducted urgent enquiries and gathered CCTV, which shows a man in the vicinity of Lisle Street and Drury Lane who officers are working to trace.
The man is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall with short brown hair.
Through ongoing enquiries, officers have now obtained further CCTV from the area.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation, said: “Since this offence 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.
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“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 recognise 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 offence 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.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police through 101, quoting CAD reference 5512/22AUG26.