DETECTIVES have released CCTV images of this man who they believe could help with an ongoing rape investigation.

A 22-year-old woman from Southend was sexually assaulted inside a house in the early hours by a man she met just hours earlier at Chameleon nightclub in Lucy Road, Southend.

The assault happened in the early hours of Sunday, July 21, but police have only just released details after scouring CCTV from the club for several weeks.

Investigating Officer, Dc Lorraine Lumb, said: "We want to identify and then speak to this man as a key witness. He was at the nightclub on that Saturday night, Sunday morning and we believe he struck up a conversation with the woman. We would appeal for him or his friends or family to contact us.”

The man, or anyone who knows him, is urged to contact detectives at Colchester’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or email the incident room at SOIT@essex.pnn.police.uk