A VICIOUS rapist is being hunted by police after an attack on a 27-year-old woman in the early hours of Tuesday morning (October 31) in the Deepdale area of Preston.

It is believed the man attacked the woman as she took a short cut home across wasteland behind the Deepdale Retail park.

Det Con Debra Stothert is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

She said they were especially keen to talk to truck drivers who are known to use the area to park up and rest for the night and who may have seen either the attacker, the victim, or the incident itself.

The attack happened before 1am as the lady took a cut-through, used by locals, which runs from Blackpool Road to the Holme Slack Estate.

It is believed the man bundled the woman into an isolated area before raping her during the storm in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The victim reported that he kept his hand tight over her mouth for the whole ordeal, but as soon as it was removed she screamed and he ran away.

The man is described as in his late 30s, heavy build with a moustache and he was wearing a waterproof jacket and would probably have arrived home very wet and possibly covered in mud on the night of the attack. If you have any information, please contact Det Sgt John Crichton or Det Con Debra Stothert at Fullwood police station on (01772) 209530.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers free and in confidence on 0800 555111.