Police have released the image of a sex attacker who dragged a woman from a Gold Coast street early on Sunday morning.

The 22 year-old victim had been walking east along Karbunya Street in the suburb of Mermaid Waters just before 6am, when she was grabbed from behind.

Police said the man then dragged the woman into a nearby walkway, where he sexually assaulted her.

Investigators have now released a Comfit image of the man, who is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 ceintimetres tall, aged in his 20s, with a solid build and dark brown hair.

He was wearing a red shirt and dark coloured pants.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.