Detectives investigating the attempted rape of a woman in Islington are offering a £10,000 reward as they make a fresh appeal for information. The attack occurred in the Essex Road area at around 3am on July 4, when a man dragged the victim, aged in her early 20s, into the entrance of a building on Northchurch Road.
The Metropolitan Police reported that the stranger harassed the young woman before physically and sexually assaulting her. The ordeal only ended when two members of the public heard shouts for help and intervened, causing the attacker to flee towards Angel.
New CCTV footage and suspect description
Investigators have released further footage of a person of interest alongside the reward. The man is described as being of average build and approximately 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall. He had short hair or a shaved head at the time and was wearing a distinctive tie-dye T-shirt featuring blue and pink streaks. He also has a large tattoo on his left arm.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley announced the reward during an appearance on BBC’s Crimewatch Live yesterday. He said: "The victim continues to be supported by specialist officers, but this attack has understandably had a devastating impact on her day-to-day life. We’ve conducted extensive enquiries using a range of investigative tools, but we need to trace this man, and we believe the public can help us do that. If you recognise him, please contact Crimestoppers."
Appeal for the brave interveners
Detectives also need to speak to a man who interrupted the attempted rape and tried to detain the attacker. DCI Ridley added: "While our priority remains identifying and tracing the man shown in the CCTV images, we are also keen to speak to the member of the public who bravely intervened and restrained the attacker for a short time before he made off. He is described as a white man in his late teens or early 20s, with an athletic build and curly ash-blonde hair. He may have crucial information which can support our enquiries, and I would like to make a direct appeal to him to get in touch with police via 101 quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26 if he sees this."
The reward will be given to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: "This was a violent and distressing attack that has had a significant impact on the victim, and our thoughts remain with her. Through this reward we hope to encourage anyone who knows who this man is, or who has information that could help identify him, to come forward. Even information that may seem insignificant could be the missing piece that detectives need."
How to provide information
Information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111. The police continue to support the victim and urge anyone with information, however small, to come forward.
