DETECTIVES have released CCTV footage they hope will help in the hunt for a would-be rapist.

The images show a man that Cleveland Police want to speak to in connection with the attempted rape in the Middlesbrough area in the early hours of Sunday, October 4.

The incident took place between 4am and 4.30am on Whitfield Avenue, a path that runs off Angle Street close to Marton Road.

The 42-year-old victim was approached by the suspect close to a Royal Cars taxi rank on Marton Road and she walked with the man from Park Vale Road onto Angle Street and then onto Whitfield Avenue, where the offence took place.

The victim was left with minor injuries which did not require treatment.

Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King, who is leading the hunt for the suspect, believes key witnesses could hold vital clues to help identify the man.

At the time of the incident, officers were keen to trace the driver of a black and yellow taxi which collected the victim after the offence, between the old White Rose pub and St Joseph’s Church at the junction of Marton Road and Park Road South.

The driver is described as an Asian male in his early 30s, of medium build with bald or shaven hair. Police say he may be able to help with inquiries.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "The suspect is described as a white male, aged 25-27 years old, about 5ft 8ins tall, he spoke with possibly an Eastern-European accent, has blonde hair which was parted and styled with gel with shaven sides and medium or athletic build.

"He was wearing a navy blue, shiny waist-length jacket fastened with a zip to the top, grey or blue jeans and bright white Nike Air Max trainers. It is also believed that a man who may have been standing near to the Royal Cars taxi rank when the woman was approached by the suspect could have information which could assist the investigation.

"This man is described as a white male, aged in his late forties to early fifties, of medium build with ‘short back and sides’ hair style and wearing blue jeans and a red top. Officers would like this man to contact them."

A 46-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape has been released from police bail and is no longer part of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DI Matt Murphy-King from Cleveland Police Major Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org