POLICE hunting a violent sex attacker today pleaded: If you think you know who he is, tell us immediately.

They released this image of a man they believe committed a serious sex offence on a 24-year-old woman in Linthwaite as she returned home from work at 5.30pm on Wednesday.

And they added a detailed description of the man they suspect of the vicious crime.

Detectives believe the attacker may have returned home afterwards acting in a different or strange manner.

Now they have appealed to his wife, partner or friends to turn him in if they suspect him.

They have stressed that any information will be treated in confidence.

They also believe people may have seen him lurking in a wooded area between Slant Gate and Hazel Grove where the attack took place.

The victim had travelled home from Huddersfield on an express bus bound for Oldham.

She got off the bus on Manchester Road and walked up Slant Gate.

She turned left at the top of the steep road on to a popular footpath.

The path runs alongside a wooded area and borders fields and open land where horses graze.

Det Insp Sam Cooke, of Huddersfield CID, said: "Fifty yards further along the path she was grabbed, taken off the pathway and subjected to a serious sexual assault.

"After the attack he left the scene on foot. The woman then raised the alarm.

"Specially trained officers are currently with the woman and she has been traumatised by the incident."

He added: "It is clear there are a number of people who walk dogs and frequent this wooded area which is a short cut from Manchester Road to Broad Oak."

Detectives believe the attacker could even have been in the area in the days leading up to the attack.

Det Insp Cooke added: "We are interested in anyone who may recognise his description."

He said many people work at firms alongside Manchester Road and the attacker could even be someone who is employed at one of them.

The attacker is a well-built African Caribbean man in his late 20s or early 30s.

He was wearing a dark blue baseball cap, dark blue jeans, a black fleece jacket and black or dark trainers or shoes.

Officers are working on the inquiry under the direction of Det Supt Andy Brennan.

Anyone with information should contact Huddersfield CID on 01484 436685 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.