POLICE HAVE appealed to the public to help them identify and find a man caught in a shop’s CCTV footage. They want to speak to him in connection with an allegation of attempted rape.
The allegation arises from an incident which occurred at around 10.30pm on 31st August. A man came up to a woman who was sat on a bench in Forest Lane Park, E15 from behind her. He dragged her to the ground and attacked her. The two had spoken earlier that evening and had gone into an off-licence in the nearby Wellington Road just after 10pm. The park was closed at the time of the attack, and police believe the attacker may have followed the victim, having seen her climb over the fence to get into the park.
The suspect is described as a black man of approximately 5ft 11ins in height and of large build. He is thought to be in his early 20s. He was wearing black jogging bottoms and a grey zipped hoodie over a white T-shirt. He had a black sling bag across his chest. Officers believe he may be of Gambian heritage and may have lived in France for a time.
Detective Constable Philip Blore of the North East BCU safeguarding unit said, “This was a shocking attack in an isolated location, late at night, that left the victim understandably distressed. We are determined to find the person responsible and are pursuing all possible lines of enquiry.
“We think it’s likely that someone might have seen the man in the footage we’re releasing [today], either on the night in question or at another time. It is vital that anyone with information – however insignificant – comes forward to speak to us. I would also appeal to this individual directly. If that is you in the video, please come forward so we can speak with you.”
●Anyone who has any information which may assist police is asked to contact them via 101 and quote reference CAD 7995/31Aug. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.
●Read more about it: Who are suspects in Ilford stabbing? Newham sex offender jailed for 12 years