Police have released CCTV footage of a man they want to identify after a woman was dragged into a doorway and sexually assaulted in Islington in what detectives are treating as an attempted rape. The attack occurred on Northchurch Road, off Essex Road, at around 3am on Friday, July 4.
Attack and intervention
The victim, aged in her early 20s, was harassed by a stranger before being pulled into the entrance of a building. The man physically and sexually assaulted her. The ordeal ended when two members of the public heard her shouts for help and intervened, causing the attacker to flee towards Angel.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, 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."
Suspect description and CCTV
The suspect is described as a man of average build, approximately 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall, with short hair or a shaved head. He was wearing a distinctive tie-dye T-shirt featuring blue and pink streaks. After the attack, he briefly entered a shop on Essex Road before fleeing.
Police are urging anyone who recognises the man pictured in the CCTV to come forward. They also want to speak to anyone who was in the Essex Road, Northchurch Road, or Angel area between 2.45am and 3.30am on July 4 and may have seen something suspicious.
Appeal for witnesses and the Good Samaritan
DCI Ridley added: "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."
Officers are also seeking to speak to the man who came to the victim's aid. While a woman who intervened has already spoken to police, the man who also stepped in has not yet been identified. He is described as a white male in his late teens or early 20s, with an athletic build and curly, ash-blonde hair. DCI Ridley made a direct appeal: "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."
Victim support and how to help
The woman who reported the sexual assault continues to be supported by specialist officers. Anyone with information can contact the Metropolitan Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26. Anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
