Leeds police share horrifying video of suspected rapist on TV

The moment the victim is carried off through the streets of Leeds.

It shows the moments before a brutal attack on the 24-year-old woman in the city centre last summer.

Almost a year on, the identify of the man in the CCTV footage remains a mystery.

Detectives hope a fresh appeal on BBC One’s Crimewatch Roadshow could help them bring him to justice at last.

During today’s programme police appealed for any witnesses who may have seen the man in the city centre on August 14, or anyone who recognises him from the CCTV.

They also showed the footage – first released in October – in the hope it would jog someone’s memory.

Detective Superintendent Pat Twiggs, head of crime for Leeds District, said it gave a really stark illustration of the very serious nature of the offence.

“The footage of the victim being carried off by this man clearly makes for disturbing viewing,” he said.

A CCTV still showing the suspected rapist in Leeds on the night of the attack.

“We gave very careful consideration to releasing it and secured the consent of the victim who has been left understandably traumatised by what this man did to her.

“The other footage we have released shows this man walking around Leeds city centre and we strongly believe he has been looking for someone to attack before he focuses on the victim.”

The victim was walking through the city centre to get a taxi home after a night out when she was approached by the man in Kirkgate.

He spoke to her and walked alongside her before picking her up in his arms at Dortmund Square and carrying her to the scene of the attack at Mark Lane, next to the St John’s shopping centre, at around 5am.

The detectives investigating the rape want to trace.

A trawl of CCTV footage throughout the city centre unearthed images of the suspect at various locations.

He is shown loitering in a car park at the back of the Malmaison hotel in Swinegate at around 4.40am before approaching a woman on Swinegate at 4.45am, sought by police and is also seen walking along Briggate.

Det Supt Twiggs added: “I would describe him as looking like a 1990s doorman.

“He’s quite an imposing figure – well over 6ft tall, well built, black male aged 30 to 40.

“He’s wearing a long black coat with smart dark clothing.”

The footage also showed the suspect approaching another woman, who was wearing, a white dress in Swinegate at around 4.45am. He appeared to try putting his arm around her.

At the same time, a man walked past and a taxi drove past and stopped nearby.

Crimewatch Roadshow was broadcast on BBC One at 9.15am.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.