Police seek public help after attack on woman in Chingford

A 25 YEAR OLD woman was subjected to a horrific attack at knifepoint as she walked her dog in an alleyway beneath Ridgeway Park in Waltham Forest. The incident occurred last Monday, 20th July, between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.

A man approached the woman and physically attacked her, attempting to assault her sexually.  He managed to bang her head against a wall and cut her clothes with a knife that he had.  He also kicked her dog.  The woman fought back, and the attacker ran away – heading in the direction of Chingford Avenue.

The woman has described the man who attacked her as white, over 6ft tall, slim, with bright blue eyes and brown eyebrows.  He was wearing a black beanie hat, a black pullover, grey shorts, black latex gloves and a black facemask.

Detective Inspector Jeremy McDermott, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a cowardly attack by someone who was intent on hurting this woman, who had never seen him before. Despite the heart-stopping circumstances, she managed to fight back and force him to run away. Understandably, this incident is going to cause concern in the local community but please know that we are doing everything we can to find out who is responsible so we can hold them to account.

“However, we also need the public’s help. If you witnessed anything at all in the Ridgeway Park area, or the roads around the area, please get in contact. If you have CCTV of the area, I’d like to hear from you. No matter how small or insignificant you think it might be, please contact my team. We are working tirelessly, day and night, to identify and pursue offenders, help bring perpetrators to justice, support victims, engage and reassure the public, and keep our communities safe.”

The crime is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police North East Safeguarding Command. A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and released on bail to a date in August.

●Anyone who has information is asked to call police via 101 and quote reference CAD5360/20JUL20. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

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