Detectives today released CCTV images of a man seen close to the Last Orders pub in Ashton they want to speak to in relation to the sickening assault in Avenham Park.

A 42-year-old woman was befriended by a pot-bellied man in the pub before being assaulted and dragged to a wooded area of the park.

He knocked her to the ground where he raped her.

Police also revealed that the man is known to frequently use prostitutes in the city.

It is believed he halted his vile attack, which occurred at around 9.30pm on Thursday, after he saw a motorist's headlights.

She managed to run to Preston railway station where she raised the alarm

Det Insp Steve Hobson, of Preston Police's public protection unit, said: "We hope by releasing this image we will be able to jog people's memories or who may recognise the offender."

The attacker is in his late 30s or early 40s and is 5ft 6in tall.

He is bald and had a long face, wore a distinctive black leather waist-length bomber jacket and dark blue jeans.

He had a "beer belly" and was a smoker.

The jacket had two pockets and a red lining. He wore a white football shirt beneath it.

Anyone with information should call Preston Police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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