A manhunt is under way after a sex beast raped a young woman in a Glasgow street earlier today.

The terrified 24-year-old was walking home alone in Maryhill before the horrific sex attack, in the early hours of this morning.

She was viciously attacked as she returned home from a friend's house in Drumchapel and a major police operation is now under way.

The rapist forced the terrified woman into the driveway of a disused premises near to Maryhill train station, where he carried out the attack.

She managed to flag down a taxi after the rape and police have urged the cabbie to come forward.

Police said the suspect is described as black, 6ft with a heavy build.

He was also wearing a dark jumper with a hood.

Uniformed officers stood guard at the police cordon in Maryhill Road as detectives carried out investigations.

Police said the victim was subjected to the horrific attack at around 2.30am.

Detective Inspector Craig Willison, from London Road CID, said:"This was a horrendous ordeal for a young woman to have to experience .

"It is critical that we trace this man as soon as possible.

"I would like to reassure the community that our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible.

" Incidents like this are extremely rare particularly in this part of the city.

"However we need help from members of the public who may have vital information to assist with the investigation."

Detectives, who are now conducting a huge CCTV trawl, appealed for help to track down the rapist.

They want to hear from witnesses who may have seen the victim - or her attacker - in the Maryhill area this morning.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.