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This CCTV footage shows a man being hunted by cops after a woman was pushed to the ground and raped in a city street in broad daylight.

The 21-year-old victim was walking to her partner's house at 6.30am on July 19 when a stranger allegedly came up to her and then started a conversation with her.

Police say he then pushed her to the ground and raped her, before waking off.

Police have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident in Toxteth in Liverpool.

They are appealing to him, or anyone who may know him, to come forward.

The black man, of average height, is pictured wearing a white long-sleeved top, blue skinny jeans and trainers.

Detective Sergeant Paul Donaghy from Merseyside Police's specialist Unity team told the Liverpool Echo: “We have now spoken to the victim and can confirm that this is being investigated as a rape.

“This has had a traumatic effect on the young woman and she is still struggling to come to terms with what has happened to her and will have to live with this for the rest of her life.

“We believe that the man in the CCTV footage we have released today may have information which could help us with our investigation and we would urge him, or anyone who recognises him to come forward and contact the Unity team on 0151 777 1382, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”