Officers are releasing an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with an allegation of rape.

Michael Lawson, 55, is wanted in relation to the offence which occurred in Soho, W1 in the early hours of the morning on Saturday 17 June.
The lone female had been in the area with friends and shortly after leaving them she was subjected to an assault.

Lawson is described as black, 5ft 8ins, medium stocky build and with a distinctive scar under his left eye.
It may be that you know Lawson by a different name.

He is known to frequent the Soho area and may have access to a car and purport to be an unlicensed cab driver. Anyone seeing Lawson should not approach him, but call 999 immediately.

Detective Inspector Luke Bacon of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences investigation unit said “We are appealing for any information about this individual and whether you feel it is big or small, please make contact on the numbers provided. It may be the vital information required to locate him.

Importantly, the female complainant is being supported by specialist-trained officers and as an organisation, we will continue to tackle violence against women and girls”.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 4429/20JUL23

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.