POLICE hunting a York rapist say they have had a good initial response to their appeal for help.

The investigation into the stranger attack on a footpath near the University of York is ongoing, said a spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police.

The force appealed yesterday for students to come forward if they had any information which could help with police inquiries into the inquiries into the rape, which happened in the early hours of Friday May 13 as the woman, who is in her 20s, walked towards Walmgate Stray, behind the Heslington campus.

Officers also advised students to stick together with friends while out late at night and get taxis home.

The spokeswoman said today with anyone with any information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for the Major Crime Unit, or pass information to the Force Control Room, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 12160089860.

Detectives have said they appreciate time has passed since the attack but urged people, particularly students, to cast their minds back to the early hours of that day.

Det Insp Mark Pearson, of the Major Crime Unit, asked students yesterday: "Were you out and about at the time, did you see anyone matching the man’s description?"

The university's colleges have also emailed the police appeal to thousands of students.

The suspect is described as black, of medium build, aged between 20 to 30 and around 5ft 6in to 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a dark coloured hoodie top.

DI Pearson said the victim was receiving support from specially trained officers and partner agencies and a policing team would be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.

"Sexual attacks by strangers are rare," he said. "However, when they do occur, they can cause alarm in the local community. Our advice to anyone who studies, lives or works in the area is to adhere to our usual safety advice when out and about at night. Always stick together with your friends and get a taxi home.

"For students, the university security staff can help you with taxis and escorts across campus at night.”

A university spokesman said last night: "We are aware of the incident and we are liaising with the police who have asked for our assistance in distributing a witness appeal.

"Anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour or has any other information that could help the investigation is urged to contact the police immediately.

"Students who are concerned can access help and support on our website: https://www.york.ac.uk/students/support/health/sexual-assault."

Fishergate councillor Andy D'Agorne said York was a very safe place and such attacks were very rare, 'but that doesn't mean this should be taken any less seriously.'

He said he did not want to see such areas become no go zones and wanted to see more people around in numbers at locations such as the stray as this would improve safety.

He added that his ward was in discussions with the university about the possible provision of low level waymark lighting along the cycle route across the stray to make it safer for cyclists crossing it at night.