Police have released the image of a man they believe may have "vital" information as detectives continue to investigate a double rape in Stockton.

Cleveland Police said the first incident took place between 11pm and 12am on Saturday, September 7, when a woman was raped in an alleyway on Yarm Road, near the Oxbridge Lane junction. 

A short time later at around 12.30am the following day, a second woman was raped at the same location. Both women are now being supported by specialist officers.

A cordon was erected around a boarded-up property on Sunday, with pictures from the scene showing police and crime scene investigators combing the area. 

Detectives have since been working on several lines of enquiry, one of which is an image of a man they believe may have vital information that could assist with their investigation.

Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth said: “I am really keen to hear from members of the public who may know the identity of the man and I want to encourage them to come forward. I also want to take this opportunity to urge the man in the photograph to contact police as soon as possible.

“While our investigation continues, I would ask anyone with information, dash cam and doorbell footage to please get in touch. 

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“We understand how concerning this will be to people living in our community and we have increased our patrols in the area to provide reassurance.”

If you have information, please contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 173185.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111