POLICE are putting more officers on the beat in Worcester after a woman was raped in broad daylight.

Women are being warned to be on their guard in Ronkswood amid fears that the man could strike again.

Detective Inspector Graham Smith, who is heading the inquiry, said he hoped the extra officers would help to reassure people.

He said: "We believe this was a stranger rape and there is a possibility that the man could attempt to offend again.

We want to have a high-visibility presence in the area to reassure the public."

Police are warning women walking in the area to be cautious about the routes they take and they want anyone with information about the offence to come forward.

Det Insp Smith said: "Our advice to all female pedestrians in Ronkswood is to walk with someone else and/or find a different continued on page tworare, this was particularly unusual in that it took place in the morning.

"There is a strong likelihood that there would have been a number of people on their way to work.

"We hope someone will have seen something that, now they are prompted, they will want to report."

The 21-year-old woman was raped in an alley between Aconbury Close and Leopard Rise, leading from Newtown Road to Woodgreen Drive, near Tolladine golf course.

The rape took place at about 9.15am on Friday, May 18, but was not reported to police until three days later, on Monday.

Police say the offender is a white man, in his early 20s, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall and of thin build, with shoulder-length, greasy brown hair.

He was wearing blue jeans and a grey T-shirt.

Anyone who thinks they recognise the description or who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time the rape took place is urged to contact police on 08457 444888, quoting 475S/210507, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.