NEW images have been released of a man police wish to speak to in connection with an alleged rape.

A 25-year-old woman reported being followed as she walked in Waterloo Street in Hove between 1am and 2am on Thursday.

Then a man approached her from behind, put his arm around her waist and told her she was pretty.

The suspect offered money in exchange for sexual favours, but the victim turned him down.

She was then raped in the street, but the man was stopped when a nearby resident came out to ask what was happened.

The suspect left in the direction of the seafront.

He is described as being white, 5ft 6ins, in his late 20s to early 30s, and spoke in broken English, possibly from Eastern Europe.

He was of athletic build and broad shoulders, clean shaven, with short brown hair in a grade four or grade five cut.

Police say he wore a waist length fitted black leather jacket with a yellow seam on each arm, dark blue jeans and light coloured trainers.

CCTV footage was released, and now new images have been revealed of a man the police wish to speak to.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hitchcock said: “If you were in the Waterloo Street area early on Thursday morning and saw what happened, or if you think you recognise this man, please get in touch with us right away.

“This was an isolated incident for the area and not part of any series, but we need to find this man as soon as possible, so please contact us if you can help.”

He said the woman is being supported by specially trained officers while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information can report it on the Sussex Police website, or call 101 and quote Operation Pennine.

Victims or rape or serious sexual assault can report crime and get advice by visiting www.sussex.police.uk/rasso.