Police have released CCTV footage of a man they wish to speak to after a woman was raped in central London.

A woman was walking near Tottenham Court Road Underground Station between 9pm and 11.30pm on December 19, when an unknown man picked her up in a car.

She was driven around central London before the car stopped in Long Acre, in Covent Garden, and the woman was raped.

She reported the incident to police and an investigation was launched by detectives in Westminster.

Detective Constable Adam Ramsden, who is based in Westminster, said: “We have been working around the clock to gather as much evidence as we can about the suspect and enquiries are ongoing.

“We are releasing this image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with the investigation. He is described as a fair-skinned black man with short hair and freckles.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or contact ‘X’ @MetCC and quote ref: CAD 5149/27DEC23

Alternatively anyone can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.