This man could hold the key to a rape of a 68-year-old in Colchester town centre.

Detectives hunting the brutal attacker today released this picture of a man filmed on closed circuit television minutes after the rape.

The footage was recorded in the subway between Butt Road and Headgate near the scene of the horrific crime.

Police want to hear from this man

Investigators want to hear from anyone who thinks they know who he is, or from the man himself, so they can eliminate him from the inquiry.

The same person was also seen walking through Culver Square and, despite heavy rain, had taken off his coat and was carrying it.

Det Insp Keith Davies, part of the investigating team, said the person filmed walked through the subway at 8.07pm on the night of the crime.

He said the man could be a very good witness and detectives have a DNA profile of the rapist, so if he comes forward he can be ruled out quickly.

The 68-year-old rape victim was subjected to a ten-minute ordeal in Artillery Barracks Folley, off Butt Road, at about 8pm on December 2.

Her attacker is described as white, about 25 with a muscular build. He had a sleeper earring in his left ear and was wearing a long black leather jacket or coat.

A £5,000 reward from the Crimestoppers fund has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attacker.

Anyone with information should call officers on 01245 452207 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Published Tuesday, March 19, 2002