Detectives have released CCTV footage as they work to identify a man following a sexual assault on a woman in North London.
The woman, aged in her early 20s, was approached by an unknown man in the Essex Road and Northchurch Road area of Islington at around 3am on Friday, 4 July.
Police said the man began harassing the woman while walking alongside her before dragging her into the entrance of a building on Northchurch Road.
She was then physically and sexually assaulted.
Members of the public came to woman’s aid
The attacker fled in the direction of Angel after two members of the public heard the woman shouting for help and came to her aid.
One of those who intervened was a man who has not yet been identified by police.
The woman continues to receive support from specialist officers.
Detectives are asking anyone who was in the Essex Road, Northchurch Road or Angel area between 2.45am and 3.30am on Friday, 4 July to come forward if they saw anything suspicious.
Suspect visited nearby shop
Following the attack, the suspect is believed to have briefly entered a nearby shop on Essex Road but did not buy anything.
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 have now released CCTV footage as the investigation continues.
Police investigating attempted rape
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.”
How to contact police
Information can be provided through the Metropolitan Police website or by calling 101 and quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or through its website.
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