A RAPIST was being hunted today after he attacked a woman as she made her way home through a Worcester park.

The 40-year-old victim was raped in Gheluvelt Park, Barbourne, late on Sunday night.

Police described the incident as "horrific" and said they were treating the rapist as dangerous. They want witnesses to contact them.

The woman was walking through the children's play area near Barbourne Lane when she was attacked. A man was seen leaving the park minutes after the attack.

He is described as white, aged 25-35, and between 5ft 8in and 6ft tall. He was wearing a medium to dark grey fleece top, and his hair was possibly scraped back with a white hair band into a short ponytail.

Worcester police believe he may have been drinking in city pubs before he struck sometime between 11.15 and 11.30pm.

"This is an horrific attack by a dangerous man," said DI Graham Smith. "Investigations have already brought forward several witnesses. Each piece of information is vital.

"We're keen to eliminate from our enquiries a man seen acting suspiciously in the Droitwich Road area shortly prior to the attack. We urge him to contact us."

DI Smith said attacks of this nature in Worcester were rare and police presence had been increased.

Earlier this month, two sex attacks took place in the Barbourne area. The three incidents are not being linked.

The first was on Monday, August 14, at lunchtime in St George's Walk. Four days later, a woman was indecently assaulted on her way to work.

Anyone with information should call police on 01905 723888.