E-fit released of suspect in rape investigation

Detectives investigating a serious sexual assault in Hyde Park have released an e-fit of a man they want to speak to as part of their enquiries.

On 31 August 2024 police received a report that a man in his 30s had been sexually assaulted around two months previously near Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park.

The man reported being approached by another man, who demanded sex from him and then produced a knife. He reported that the suspect cut his abdomen when he refused and subsequently raped him.

The suspect was described as a male, around 5ft 8ins in height, with dark short hair and a cut above his left eye. He also had a tattoo of a flame on his arm. The man said the suspect spoke to him in what he believed to be Arabic.

Since the matter was reported to the police, detectives have carried out extensive enquiries to identify a suspect. They have now produced an e-fit image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Constable Kira Halson, who is leading the Met’s investigation, said:

“Since this sexual assault was reported to us, officers have conducted extensive enquiries – including circulating the suspect’s e-fit to thousands of officers and checking details of our suspect against national police databases. Despite this, we’ve been unable to identify the man in the picture.

“I would appeal to anyone who recognises the man in the image, or who has information about this serious sexual assault, to get in touch with us.

“If you do not want to speak to the police, who can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers. Any detail you can give us could be crucial in finding this suspect.”

To report information, contact police on 101 quoting reference 01/783179/24, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.