Woman who was caught on CCTV being carried off by rapist speaks out about ordeal
Crimewatch to show disturbing footage in hope of tracking attacker down
A WOMAN who was brutally attacked after chilling footage captured her being carried in the arms of a suspected rapist has spoken out.
The disturbing clip shows the unknown male carrying the 24-year-old through the darkened city streets of Leeds last summer.
But almost a year on, and despite an extensive police investigation, the man's identity is still a mystery.
Now West Yorkshire Police hope a fresh appeal on BBC One's Crimewatch Roadshow tonight could help them bring the unknown male to justice at last.
Speaking on the programme, the victim - who cannot be named for legal reasons - said she had been out for drinks with a friend when she decided to go home.
Describing her walk through town as a "bit hazy" she said she does remember a black male approaching her and starting a conversation.
She said he walked alongside her and spoke to her. Soon after she was subjected to a "horrific rape".
She said: "You hear things like this happening but you never think it will happen to you.
"I felt numb, angry and disgusting.
"After the attack I felt as though I had lost my self-worth, I found it hard to sleep, I've had constant flashbacks, I didn't want to leave my home alone, I felt so nervous all the time.
"I want this person to understand that his actions that night were totally unacceptable."
Along with an airing of the footage - first shown in October 2015 - cops have appealed for any witnesses who may have seen the man in the city centre that morning, or anyone who recognises him from the CCTV.
Head of crime for the Leeds area Detective Superintendent Pat Twiggs said it gave a really stark illustration of the very serious nature of the offence.
He said: "The footage of the victim being carried off by this man clearly makes for disturbing viewing.
"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.
"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 victim was walking to get a taxi home after a night out when she was approached by the man.
He spoke to her and walked alongside her before picking her up in his arms and carrying her to the scene of the attack next to a shopping centre, at around 5am on Friday, August 14.
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 at around 4.40am before approaching a woman wearing a white dress at 4.45am. He appeared to try putting his arm around her.
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