A rapist with a speech impediment is being hunted by police after a woman was attacked in Raynes Park four months ago.

Metropolitan Police detectives only released details of the attack this week, with CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the investigation.

The 21-year-old woman was raped by a man in Approach Road, Raynes Park, on Thursday, June 17, at 3am.

A police spokesman said: “The young woman was on her way home from a night out, when the man tried to engage her in conversation.

“He then took her into an alleyway, which leads to the peak time exit from Raynes Park station, where he raped her. He spoke with an English accent and may have a speech impediment.”

The man was described as 5ft 6in, slim, of athletic build, with short,black hair and brown eyes.

Police said they had to look at several lines of inquiry before releasing any information.

Raynes Park commuters were horrified when told about the rape.

Tracey Hawken, 38, has lived in the area for 12 years.

She said: “I usually get the last train to Raynes Park at 1.30am. I either get a cab or park down the side road, which is about a minute’s walk from the station.

“It is such a safe area and I feel safe because nothing like this is publicised but now I feel more at risk. If they [police] have publicised other crimes in the area why has rape not been taken as seriously?

“It is unbelievable, shocking, absolutely appalling.

“When I walk to my car I always have my phone but now I’ll look over my shoulder.”

Detective Constable Andrew Wadey, of the Met’s Sapphire team, said: “Thankfully incidents of this nature are rare and I would like to reassure the community detectives are doing all they can to identify and arrest the suspect.

“I would like to reassure callers they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and that we are also able to quickly eliminate anyone unconnected to the rape through forensic evidence.”

Anyone with information should call police on 020 8721 5903 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.