A TEENAGER was raped after being dragged in to an alleyway in Tranmere.

Merseyside Police is appealing for the public’s help in tracing a man who detectives want to speak to in relation to the horrific assault.

The incident happened in an alleyway off Borough Road, close to Tranmere Rovers’ football stadium, at around 5.30am on September 28.

The 18-year-old victim had travelled by taxi to Wirral from Liverpool city centre following a night out with friends.

She had shared the hackney cab with a friend and a man she did not know.

After her friend got out on Whetstone Lane, the victim remained inside the taxi with the man until they both got out on Borough Road to use a cash machine.

After walking a short distance away from the cash machine, the the offender forced her into an alleyway and sexually assaulted her. He then ran off leaving the victim to seek help at a nearby house.

The rape was reported to the police after the victim went to hospital for treatment a short time later.

Extensive enquiries by specialist detectives from the force’s rape investigation team ‘Unity’ are being carried out and officers are providing support to the 18-year-old victim.

Unity team detectives are keen to identify and trace the man in the CCTV stills as they believe he may have information that could be important to their on-going investigation.

Anyone who recognises him should call the investigation team on 0151 777 1382 or share information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.