TWO women could hold the key to Sunday's "horrific" rape in Worcester.

As police prepared for a third day of house-to-house enquiries and continued a painstaking search for clues, they urged the pair seen at a bus stop near Gheluvelt Park, Barbourne, to step forward.

They also issued a fresh appeal for a man seen in the Droitwich Road area between 11pm and 11.30pm on Sunday to contact them.

Dog-handlers combed the park yesterday, including the children's play area and routes taken by the attacker and his victim.

Det Insp Graham Smith said the public's response had been "positive".

"We're encouraged by the response," he said. "Information received at this stage is valuable and increases our ability to track down this man.

"I'd ask the public again if they have any information - no matter how insignificant it may seem - to contact the incident room."

The attacker struck between 11.15-11.30pm as his 40-year-old victim walked through the children's play area.

A man seen leaving minutes after the rape, which police have labelled horrific, is described as white, aged 25 to 35, and between 5ft 8in and 6ft tall.

He was wearing a medium to dark grey fleece top and had his hair scraped back into a short ponytail with a white band.

Police believe he many have been drinking in city pubs in the hours before he struck.

Witnesses are urged to contact officers on 01905 723888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.