THIS is the cyclist police want to speak to after a woman was raped in an alleyway in Shirley.

The victim was riding her bike along Shirley High Street when she was approached by another man.

The man, described as being in his early 20s, white and having a local accent, then raped the woman in the alleyway behind Guys and Dolls Tattoo and Piercing Studio.

Hampshire Constabulary said the man then cycled on his bike past Iceland, on Shirley High Street, towards Millbrook.

Following the incident, which happened on Sunday morning (June 3), an appeal was launched and police have now issued CCTV images of the man they wish to speak to.

Detective inspector Matt Barcraft-Barnes said: "These images show a man on a bike at the traffic lights outside the Salisbury Arms at around 1.10am on Sunday morning. He is white and wearing a black holdall bag across his body and riding a mountain bike. He appears to be wearing casual clothing.

"We also believe he is wearing a dark coloured top, however the CCTV makes it appear light.

"We will endeavour to obtain a better image and share it with you as soon as we can.

"However, you might know someone who carries a bag like this and rides a mountain-type bike or you might have seen someone earlier that day matching this description, or since the offence.

"If you have any information at all, no matter how small, please get in contact with us."

A 24-year-old man was arrested soon after the offence but he has been released from custody and will have no further action taken against him.

The investigation is still active and officers are now urging residents to be vigilant.

Police are urging people in the city not to walk home on their own, to stick to busy well-lit areas, or get a taxi or a lift with a friends after the sexual assault.

If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference '44180205609', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.