Police are investigating after a woman was struck in the face before being raped in an alleyway in St Albans.

Police have now released an efit of the rape suspect and are hoping the public may be able to help with their investigation.

The victim was walking down an alleyway between Breakspear Avenue and Vanda Crescent from St Albans City train station at around 7.30pm on Thursday, November 23, when she was struck in the face by a man who then raped her.

The offender is described as Afro-Caribbean mixed race, between 6ft and 6ft 2ins tall and of a muscular build.

He was said to have dark or black hair with dark stubble and was wearing a hooded jumper, with the hood pulled over his eyes, black jeans and black trainers.

Det Con David Herring said: “The victim has been incredibly brave in coming forward.

“We are providing her with specialist support and with her help we have produced this facial reconstruction of the suspect.

“I’d reassure people this is the only incident of this nature reported to police in St Albans.”

•Anyone with information should contact Det Con Herring via david.herring@herts.pnn.police.uk and quote crime reference F1/18/359, or by calling 101.