A WOMAN dragged into bushes by a man who said he was going to rape her was saved by firefighters who heard her cries for help.

The woman, in her late 30s, had left Zanzibar's nightclub and was between the club and Kidderminster fire station, in Castle Road, when a car pulled up.

A fat man got out of the car and approached the woman. He began talking to her and asked for a kiss.

When she refused, he grabbed her by the arm and violently dragged her into nearby bushes, saying that he was going to rape her.

"Blue Watch were on duty at the station at the time of the incident," said fire brigade spokesman Alec Mackie.

"They had returned from an unrelated incident and a few of them were in the kitchen area of the fire station when they heard the fracas and a woman shouting.

"They looked through the window and saw a woman who appeared to be being pushed and pulled.

"One or two of them went out of the station and down the road shouting at this bloke to leave the woman alone."

By the time the firefighters had reached the woman the attacker had fled.

"The lady was in a distressed state and they took her into the fire station until the police arrived," said Mr Mackie.

The attacker is said to be white with dark coloured or black hair and of fat build.

At the time of the incident, which took place between 11.15pm and midnight on Friday October 11, a silver or grey Ford Fiesta was seen in the area.

Police want to speak to the man and woman spotted inside the car in order to eliminate them from the inquiries.

Anyone who was in the area who may have seen or heard what happened should contact Det Sgt Bruce of Kidderminster CID on 01562 820888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.