POLICE hunting a rapist say they have had a good initial response to their appeal for help – and have renewed their plea for information.

Detectives are hunting a man who attacked a woman in her 20s on a footpath near the University of York in the early hours of May 13.

The crime was reported to police on May 23 and detectives say they appreciate time has passed since the attack but have urged people, particularly students, to cast their minds back to the early hours of that day.

Det Insp Mark Pearson, of the Major Crime Unit, asked students: "Were you out and about at the time, did you see anyone matching the man’s description?"

The university's colleges have also emailed the police appeal to thousands of students.

The suspect is described as black, of medium build, aged between 20 to 30 and around 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a dark hoodie top.

Det Insp Pearson said: “Our advice to anyone who studies, lives or works in the area is to adhere to our usual safety advice when out and about at night. Always stick together with your friends and get a taxi home.

"For students, the university security staff can help you with taxis and escorts across campus at night.”

A university spokesman said: "We are aware of the incident and we are liaising with the police who have asked for our assistance in distributing a witness appeal.”