CCTV appeal after woman sexually assaulted in Islington

Detectives are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man after a woman was sexually assaulted in Islington.

At around 03:00hrs on Friday, 4 July the woman, in her early 20s, was approached by an unknown man in the Essex Road and Northchurch Road area. He began harassing her while walking alongside her.

He dragged her into the entrance of a building on Northchurch Road, where he physically and sexually assaulted her.

The attacker fled in the direction of Angel when two members of the public, including a man who has not been identified, heard the woman shouting for help and came to her aid. The woman continues to be supported by specialist officers.

The investigation team are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Essex Road, Northchurch Road or Angel area between 02:45hrs and 03:30hrs on Friday, 4 July and may have seen anything suspicious.

Following the attack, the suspect is believed to have briefly attended a nearby shop on Essex Road but did not make any purchases.

He is described as being of average build and 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.

Detectives are also releasing CCTV footage and are appealing for the public’s help as the investigation progresses.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation, 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.

“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.

“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.”

Information can be provided online via the Metropolitan Police website or by calling 101, quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.