DETECTIVES have released images of men they are hunting after a teenager was raped in Southampton.

The e-fit images were released after an 18-year-old was attacked on a pathway between Mount Pleasant Road and Empress Road.

The two men are described as Eastern European, aged 18-30.

One spoke a little broken English, and the other appeared to speak no English at all. Neither male was tall, and both are estimated to be about 5ft 8ins (172cm) tall.

The victim had become separated from her friends between 1.30 and 2.30am on Sunday, October 13 when she was approached by the two men. One of them carried out the rape.

Afterwards, the suspects ran off, chased by a male friend of the victim. They ran along Imperial Road into Empress Road and along Thomas Lewis Way into Lodge Road.

Police also appealed to specific witnesses to come forward. They want the person who walked past the victim and offenders while the rape was taking place on the ground in the pathway.

Daily Echo: Police release pictures of men hunted over teenage rape attack

But they also want to speak to a group of four people who were standing in the vicinity of the metal monument at the junction of Thomas Lewis way and Lodge Road.

These people directed the victim's friend towards the suspects.

Detective Inspector Richard Sellwood said: “We would like to hear from anyone who thinks they recognise the two suspects and from the individual and the group who were in the area at the time of the incident and the chase of the suspects. You have vital information.”

A 22-year-old Southampton man was arrested on October 18. He was bailed, pending further enquiries, until November 1.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Operation Miel at Southampton Central on 101 or to ring the anonymous Crimestoppers charity line on 0800 555 111.