A young rape victim was found wandering the streets hysterically following the attack, detectives revealed today.

The 21-year-old woman was spotted on CCTV cameras by police after they were alerted early yesterday by a concerned member of the public.

Police have confirmed the woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault by an Eastern European man after leaving a nightclub. The victim is receiving counselling from officers of West Yorkshire Police’s rape unit, Operation Topaz.

She had been making her way home after leaving Club Life, in Westgate, Bradford, when she was attacked.

The rape took place in an area between Midland Road and Snowden Street, Manningham, but it is not clear exactly when.

The woman left the club shortly before 2am but the incident was not reported until 5.30am when a motorist, who had been flagged down by the victim, contacted police.

Officers then studied CCTV cameras and spotted the woman wandering the streets in a hysterical state, and went to her aid.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said the woman had been drinking during the evening and was a vulnerable victim. “This was a nasty incident and we urge anyone who has any information about the suspect to contact us urgently,” the spokesman said.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who saw the victim, who was of quite distinctive appearance.

She was white, tall, with ginger hair and was wearing a red hooded top.

They also want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious between the club and the location of the rape, between 1.30am and 6am.

The suspect is described as a white man of Eastern European origin, with short mousy hair.

He had a cold sore under the right side of his mouth.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on (01274) 376473, or (01274) 376575.