Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after a young woman was raped in the Northern Quarter.

The attack happened in an alleyway off Back Piccadilly at around 1.40am this morning.

The victim had been out in the city centre all evening, the M.E.N. understands, but had then become separated from her friends at the end of the night.

As she walked down an alleyway behind a business in the Northern Quarter, she was approached by her attacker, a man she did not know.

They had a brief conversation before she was attacked. A friend of the victim heard her screams and went to help, at which point the man left.

He was described by the victim as around 40 years old, with short blond hair. He is around 5ft 6in tall, with a moustache and was wearing a grey zip-up jumper, blue jeans and carried a green Co-Op carrier bag.

Officers cordoned off China Lane while they investigated.

The area is covered by CCTV from a nearby businesses and police have now released a still of a man they want to speak to.

Det Insp Liz Hopkinson, said: “As a result of our enquiries to date, we have identified a man on CCTV who we need to speak to.

“I would ask the public to look closely at this image and if they think they know who this person is to please get in touch.”

The woman is being supported by specially-trained police officers and has helped with the investigation, but is yet to be formally interviewed.

So far police do not believe the rapist matches the description of any other wanted sex attackers.

Det Insp Estelle Mathieson, said; “At this time we believe the woman was attacked while alone in an alleyway off Back Piccadilly.

“We have specially trained officers supporting her following this awful and traumatic incident.

“If anyone was about and heard or saw something suspicious or has any other information that can help or investigation, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 1911.

Victims of rape or sexually assaulted can contact the police or refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.