Met Police announce £10,000 reward for information following Islington attempted rape

Detectives investigating the attempted rape of a woman in Islington have secured a £10,000 reward for information from the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley announced the reward earlier today (Tuesday, 20 October) when he appeared on BBC’s Crimewatch Live.

DCI Ridley said: “The victim continues to be supported by specialist officers, but this attack has understandably had a devastating impact on her day-to-day life.

“We’ve conducted extensive enquiries using a range of investigative tools, but we need to trace this man, and we believe the public can help us do that. If you recognise him, please contact Crimestoppers. The information you provide could help bring a victim justice and you could receive a reward of up to £10,000.

“Even if you are not completely certain, please make that call and let us carry out the necessary enquiries.”

Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: "This was a violent and distressing attack that has had a significant impact on the victim, and our thoughts remain with her.

"Through this reward we hope to encourage anyone who knows who this man is, or who has information that could help identify him, to come forward. Even information that may seem insignificant could be the missing piece that detectives need.

"We understand that some people may feel uncomfortable speaking directly to the police. As an independent charity, Crimestoppers gives people another option. Anyone contacting us can pass on information completely anonymously. We do not ask for personal details, and no one will know you contacted us.

"A reward of up to £10,000 is available for information given exclusively to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible."

Information can be given to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or through their website.

The incident took place around 03:20hrs on Friday, 4 July when the victim, who is in her early 20s, was approached by a man in the Essex Road area.

He began walking alongside her and harassing her before he dragged her into the entrance of a building on Church Road, where he physically assaulted her and attempted to rape her.

Detectives have previously issued a CCTV appeal and are releasing further footage alongside announcing the Crimestoppers reward in an attempt to trace the person responsible.

As part of enquiries, detectives have released an image of a man they would like to identify and speak to in connection with the investigation. The man pictured in the CCTV is described as being of average build and approximately 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall. He had short hair or a shaved head at the time and was wearing a distinctive tie-dye T-shirt featuring blue and pink streaks.

Two members of the public heard the woman shouting for help during the attack and intervened. The suspect was last seen fleeing towards Angel.

Detectives have spoken to one of these witnesses and are keen to speak to the other.

DCI Ridley added: “While our priority remains identifying and tracing the man shown in the CCTV images, we are also keen to speak to member of the public who bravely intervened and restrained the attacker for a short time before he made off.

“He is described as a white man in his late teens or early 20s, with an athletic build and curly ash-blonde hair.

“He may have crucial information which can support our enquiries, and I would like to make a direct appeal to him to get in touch with police via 101 quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26 if he sees this.”