DETECTIVES have released images of a man they want to trace in connection with a sexual assault on a young woman in Middlesbrough.

The victim, who is in her 20s, was walking home alone after a night out when she was approached by a man who attempted to speak to her as she walked along Woodlands Road.

The attacker grabbed the victim, assaulted her and then made off along Victoria Road at around 2am on Saturday, April 5.

CCTV images show the man attacking the woman in the middle of the road before running off.

The second piece of footage shows a man on Aubrey Street in Middlesbrough and the third shows the same man at the junctions of Victoria Road and Aubrey Street.

The man is described as white, possibly aged in his mid-20s, around 5ft 5ins tall with receding hair. He was wearing light jeans and a black top.

Speaking at the time of the attack, Detective Sergeant Dave Smith said: “This would have been a busy time of night and I urge anyone who believes they know who this man is to contact us.

“The victim is extremely shaken and distressed.

“We have a number of detectives working on this investigation and will be exploring all lines of enquiry.”

Police said they particularly wanted to speak to anyone who was in the Southfield Road and Borough Road area at around 2am on the morning of the sexual assault.

Anyone with information should contact DC Rebecca Harland at Middlesbrough Major Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.