A SEX fiend brutally raped a young woman in St Helens town centre in the early hours of Saturday, May 31.

The 18-year-old had spent Friday evening with friends in the 'Crystals' night club before leaving at about 12.30am to get some fresh air. She sat down on a bench in North John Street and was grabbed from behind by a man who dragged her into some nearby bushes and raped her.

The victim was too distraught to describe her attacker but a witness had seen her leave the club with another man described as white, about 5ft 8ins tall with a heavy build and a 'pot-belly.' He had short dark hair and a round face and was thought to be in his late 20s or early 30s. Police are appealing for the man, who was wearing a white, short-sleeved shirt and dark trousers, to come forward so that he can be eliminated from enquiries.

Officers have also appealed to anyone who might have spotted the man, who is thought to come from Newton-le-Willows, in the club or general area on the night of the rape in the company of a woman who was wearing a white blouse and black leggings.

Similarly, any taxi drivers who may have had a passenger fitting this description travelling from the town centre to Newton or Earlestown, are asked to contact DC Mike Leyland at St Helens CID on 0151 777 6063; the Crime Management Unit on 0151 777 6053; or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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