Worcester Police investigating the rape of a woman listening to her MP3 player as she walked to work along a Ronkswood alleyway, are trying to identify two people who may have passed the attacker.

Officers studying private CCTV footage of the area near the alleyway - between Aconbury Close and Leopard Rise and leading from Newtown Road to Woodgreen Drive, near to Tolladine golf course - have described the two pedestrians they urgently want to hear from following the rape at around 9.15am on Friday May 18.

A woman pushing a large, front-facing pram - with pink blankets over the child - from Newtown Road towards Woodgreen Drive at 9.18 am and a man wearing dark trousers and a long-sleeved blue shirt - with what appears to be a suit jacket in his hand - walking from Woodgreen Drive towards Newtown Road at 9.20am.

Det. Insp Graham Smith who is heading the investigation said:"Both pedestrians were very close to the scene at the time the offence occurred.".

"We are very interested in tracing them and talking to them at the earliest opportunity as they may have information that could advance the investigation even further."

DI Smith said that as the victim was listening to her MP3 player she did not hear her attacker speak and is not able to identify his accent.

Officers are following up information resulting from yesterday's issuing of an e-fit image of the attacker, but DI Smith said he wants the public to continue to make suggestions as to who they think the man is.

"We are pleased with the response so far, but we are always ready to listen to anyone who has information, no matter how un-important they may think it to be," added DI Smith.

"There remains a possibility that this man could attempt to offend again and - until he is caught - we continue to advise all women on foot in Ronkswood to walk with someone else and/or find a different route if their normal one takes them into relatively remote secluded areas."

Police say the man is white, in his early 20s, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall and thin with shoulder-length, greasy brown hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a grey T-shirt.

Anyone who recognises the image or description is urged to contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 475S/210507. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.