Detectives are yet to make an arrest and are now releasing CCTV footage in connection
A CCTV appeal has been launched after a woman was dragged into a doorway and sexually assaulted in what police believe was an attempted rape. A man attacked the victim, who is aged in her early 20s, in the Essex Road area of Islington at around 3am on Friday, July 4.
The stranger harassed the young woman before pulling her into the entrance of a building on Northchurch Road, where he physically and sexually assaulted her. The horrific ordeal only ended when two members of the public heard shouts for help and intervened, causing the attacker to flee towards Angel.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation at 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.”
The suspect is understood to have briefly entered a shop on Essex Road following the attack. Detectives are now releasing CCTV footage as part of the ongoing investigation.
The images show a man of average build who is approximately 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall. He had short hair or a shaved head and was wearing a distinctive tie-dye T-shirt featuring blue and pink streaks.
Anyone who recognises the man pictured is urged to come forward as soon as possible. Investigators also need 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.
DCI Ridley said: “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.”
The Met also needs to speak to the man who came to the victim’s aid. DCI Ridley added: “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.”
The woman who reported the sexual assault continues to be supported by specialist officers.
Information can be provided via the Metropolitan Police website or by calling 101, quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26. Alternatively, reports can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
