Woman in her 20s ‘raped after being dragged into doorway’ in packed London tourist hotspot – as CCTV released in manhunt

A WOMAN in her 20s has allegedly been raped after being “dragged into a doorway” in a packed London tourist hotspot. Cops have released CCTV in the hunt for a man following the horror early hours attack in Covent Garden, Central London. The woman was allegedly raped in a doorway in Covent Garden Credit: Alamy Cops have released CCTV in the hunt for a man following the horror early hours attack Credit: Met Police The victim, aged in her 20s, was approached by a stranger while walking through the capital on August 22. She had been strolling through crowds of people on Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus and Drury Lane in the early hours. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! At around 05.20am, she was dragged into a doorway on Macklin Street by the unknown man, before he allegedly raped her. The victim managed to fight off her attacker and flee the scene, before reporting him to cops. Officers then quickly launched an investigation into the attack. After reviewing CCTV from the area, they identified a man, believed to be aged between 25 and 35, in connection with the horror. The Metropolitan Police say he needs to be identified so officers can speak with him. He was seen in nearby Lisle Street and Drury Lane wearing a grey hoodie with a dark gilet, backpack, casual trousers and trainers. Most read in The Sun The man has also been described as having short dark hair, Scotland Yard said. Anyone who was in the Covent Garden area between 4.30am and 6am on the day of the alleged rape has been urged to come forward. The victim is still receiving support from specially-trained officers. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley said: “Our thoughts are with the victim who continues to demonstrate tremendous courage. “No woman or girl should feel unsafe on the streets of London, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of those who commit these offences. “Officers continue to conduct enquiries locally and there will be increased patrols in the area. “We’re also appealing for the public’s help as part of our investigation. “We are confident there are witnesses and that someone will recognise the man in the footage. “While we understand that speaking to police can be daunting, all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. “No matter how insignificant you believe it to be, any information could prove crucial to the investigation.”