Rapist caught on CCTV as he seizes victim in the street

This is the terrifying moment a woman was grabbed in the street before being raped and beaten.

The 25-year-old woman met the man in a street near Soho and they walked to a quiet cul-de-sac where the attack took place.

She was knocked to the ground and dragged along before being raped as well as punched and kicked around the head.

The man then walked away, leaving his victim lying in the street with serious head injuries.

The woman is believed to have lost consciousness for a short time before she was able to stagger into a nearby street, where she raised the alarm.

Police released the CCTV images today in a public appeal to identify the rapist after efforts to trace him failed.

Detectives said there was a row between the pair in Falconberg Mews, a quiet dead-end road off Charing Cross Road.

The woman, who is white, spent 10 days in hospital following the attack, which happened between 5am and 7am on Saturday 28 November. She is now recovering at home.

The suspected rapist is described as white, possibly European, and in his early 20s. He is about 5ft 7in tall with brown spiky hair and was wearing a short blue jacket, jeans and trainers.

Detective Inspector Simon Prankard, who is leading the hunt for the rapist, said: "This was a vicious attack which left a young woman traumatised and seriously injured.

"Anyone who saw the attack or recognises this man should contact us urgently."

Anyone with information should call 020 7321 8693 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.