CCTV appeal after sexual assault attack in Islington

Police launch CCTV appeal after sexual assault in IslingtonThe attacker was stopped by two heroic bystanders - who police are also looking to speak toMet Police

Police have released images of a man they would like to speak with after a woman was sexually assaulted in Islington.

The victim, in her early 20s, was approached by an unknown man in the Essex Road and Northchurch Road area at around 3am on July 4.

The man began harassing her while walking alongside her, before dragging her into the entrance of a building where he physically and sexually assaulted her.

The attacker fled in the direction of Angel when two members of the public, including a man who has not been identified, heard the woman shouting for help and came to her aid.

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The suspect is believed to have attended a nearby shop after the attack, but did not make any purchases.

Police investigating the sexual assault have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to Met Police

He has been described as between 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall with either short hair or a shaved head. He was wearing a distinctive tie-dye t-shirt with blue and pink streaks.

Police would also like to speak with the unidentified man who came to the woman’s rescue. He has been described as a white man in her late teens or early 20s with an athletic build and curly, ash-blonde hair.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Essex Road area between 2.45am and 3.30am on July 4 and may have seen anything suspicious.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation, said: “We take reports of this nature incredibly seriously and are committed to supporting victims and putting those responsible before the courts.

“This was a deeply distressing attack on a young woman, which we are investigating as an attempted rape. My officers have been working tirelessly to identify the suspect as quickly as possible.

“CCTV shows a man fleeing along Essex Road, running past a bus stop towards Angel. There were a number of vehicles on the road at that time.

“Please get in touch with us if you recognise the man or if you have CCTV or dashcam footage that could help our investigation. No piece of information is too small, and what may seem insignificant to you could prove vital to our investigation.

“Two members of the public bravely came to the woman’s assistance. While officers have spoken to a woman who intervened, we are yet to speak to man who also stepped in. He is described as a white male in his late teens or early 20s, with an athletic build and curly, ash-blonde hair.

“I would like to make a direct appeal to him to get in touch with officers. He may have crucial information to support the investigation and would ask that you contact us as soon as possible.”

Information can be provided online via the Metropolitan Police website or by calling 101, quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.