Detectives are trying to urgently find a man who tried to rape a woman in West Ham. The woman, in her 30s, was approached by the stranger on Saturday, June 1, at about 10.30pm in Paul Street, E15 close to the junction with West Ham Lane. An image has been released today (June 20) after enquiries so far failed to locate the suspect.
The man approached the woman, then followed her, before grabbing her from behind and attempting to rape her. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes but the man had left the area.
It is believed he ran away from Paul Street in the direction of West Ham Lane following the woman’s scream for help. He is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build with dark hair and a beard.
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He was wearing a light denim jacket, a dark v-neck T-shirt and dark trousers. Met Police officers have carried out a range of enquiries following the attack, including an extensive CCTV trawl to release the image at the top of this article, and speaking to witnesses.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Burks, overseeing the investigation, said: “I want to reassure people our officers are working around the clock to identify the man responsible for this awful incident. We have dedicated specialist officers who are supporting the victim through this traumatic time.
“Our local officers will be around to talk to the community about any concerns they may have and we urge anyone who recognises this man or who has information that could assist police to get in contact immediately.”
A spokesperson for the Met added: “If you were in the area of Paul Street, E15 at 22.30hrs on Saturday, June 1, or have any information that could assist police then please call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote reference CAD 7635/01Jun24 You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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