Police have released an e-fit of a man they are trying to trace in connection with a rape.

On November 23, a woman was hit on her back and then raped in an alleyway between Breakspear Avenue and Vanda Crescent in St Albans at around 7.30pm.

The victim had been walking towards the train station.

The suspect is described as a man of Afro-Caribbean mixed race, between six foot and six foot two tall and of muscular build. He is reported to have dark or black hair with dark stubble.

He was wearing a hooded jumper, with the hood pulled right down over his eyes, black jeans and black trainers.

Detective Constable David Herring from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s sexual offences investigation team said: “The victim has been incredibly brave in coming forward and reporting this very traumatic experience to police and we are providing her with the necessary specialist support.

“With her help we have produced this facial reconstruction of the suspect, which we are releasing to help the investigation. I’d urge anyone who may recognise this face or the description of the man given, to contact police immediately.

“I’d reassure people that this is the only incident of this nature reported to police in St Albans. I would ask anyone who may have witnessed someone matching his description acting suspiciously in the area that night to also make contact with police.”

If you can identify this man or have information about the incident, please contact DC David Herring via email david.herring@herts.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference

F1/18/359 or call police via 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 080055511.

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact Herts SARC by calling the 24/7 helpline on 0808 178 4448, email Herts.SARC@nhs.net or visiting www.hertssarc.org.