POLICE in Taunton have released CCTV images of three men who may hold vital clues to the identification of a rapist who attacked a young woman on Saturday night.

The men (pictured) are being asked to come forward by detectives who are investigating the alleged rape of a 22-year-old woman in the car park of Esporta Gym, East Reach at midnight.

The images were taken in the Remedies bar on East Street late on Saturday night and although it is not thought these men have been involved in the rape in any way, police believe they may hold crucial information.

DS Colin Horne, from Taunton CID, said: "I would stress that these men are not suspects for the rape itself.

"However, we do believe they may have seen something while on their night out or have information which could help us.

"We would appeal for these men to come forward and would continue to ask any members of the public for information to help enquiries."

The female victim was out with friends on Saturday night when she is believed to have been approached by a man.

The pair went to the Sturms Sports Bar on Hammett Street and on to Remedies Bar on East Street before heading up East Reach towards the Esporta Gym.

As they passed the building it is believed the woman was dragged behind the gym and raped.

The offender is described as a white man, aged in his early 20s, 5ft 9ins to 5ft 11ins tall with a thin build, short dark hair, clean-shaven and brown eyes.

He was wearing a white coloured short-sleeved shirt and black trousers and shoes.

Extensive police enquiries are already underway into the allegations, which includes reviewing the CCTV evidence.

Police are particularly keen to speak to an elderly man and a woman who spoke to the victim near the Salvation Army building on South Street shortly after the attack at around 12.50am.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have seen the pair earlier in the evening should contact the police immediately.

See below for more images.