POLICE are hunting a rapist who struck after brutally attacking a man in an alleyway.

The 23-year-old victim was set upon in Heckmondwike at about 3am yesterday by a man he had met on Sunday evening.

Police confirmed the rape happened after he had been the subject of a serious assault.

Specialist officers were yesterday conducting searches around the alleyway, which is off Albion Street, for evidence as the hunt continued for the perpetrator.

He was described as white and was wearing tracksuit bottoms.

Councillors last night spoke of their horror at the nature of the crime and urged anyone with information about it to contact the police.

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Kirklees Council leader Councillor David Sheard (Lab), who represents the Heckmondwike ward, said: "I am shocked by it. It is a terrible thing to happen. I don't expect it to happen anywhere - it is not the sort of thing that happens regularly."

He added: "Anyone who knows anything should inform the police straight away - they have a duty to report it to the police.

"People should not falsely think they are protecting someone, whoever they are."

Councillor Viv Kendrick (Lab, Heckmondwike) said: "I am really shocked, quite honestly. I cannot believe that this has happened in Heckmondwike."

She also urged witnesses or anyone with information to go to police, adding: "They need to come forward and speak to the police. And if they are unhappy about that, I am sure they can ring Crimestoppers and give information.

"Anyone with useful information needs to come forward with it. The person who has committed an offence like this needs to be caught."

Detective Inspector Mark Walker, of Kirklees CID, said the victim was being counselled by specially-trained officers.

"Inquiries are ongoing into this incident and specially trained officers are working to support the victim," he said.

"I would like to speak to anyone who saw a man fitting the suspect's description in the area around McDonald's or Albion Street from about 2.45am.

"Anyone who has information to assist the inquiry is asked to contact Kirklees CID on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111."