Police have launched an urgent appeal to find a woman who may have been the victim of a sexual assault.
Officers were called at 00:18hrs on Thursday, 10 March to Shacklewell Road, Dalston, E8.
A member of the public had reported that a man was trying to push a woman into a car and was trying to sexually assault her.
A good Samaritan went to the woman’s aid and he detained the suspect until police arrived.
A 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape.
He was taken to an east London police station where he is currently detained.
The female victim of the assault ran away when the good Samaritan intervened.
Despite extensive inquiries police have been unable to locate or identify her.
Though officers don’t believe she was injured in the incident, they are very concerned for her welfare and are appealing for her contact police.
Detective Constable Joanne Gaffney of the Central East Command Unit’s Sapphire Team said: “This woman has probably gone through a very traumatic experience and I fully understand why she ran from the scene. I want to assure her, or anyone who knows her, that we can offer her advice and support from specially trained officers who are sexual offence experts.
“I really hope she will contact police and tell us what happened. At the very least this would give us the chance to make sure she is okay and is supported. Our first concern is for her welfare.
“Even if she does not want to speak to police, I urge her to speak with her doctor or those charities or organisations that offer advice and support for vulnerable women and not to shoulder this burden alone.
“I cannot stress enough that the well-being of this woman is our prime motivation. If you are the woman, or you know her, please do get in touch.
“If you or anyone you know has been through a similar experience please get in touch with police. Our specially trained officers are committed to doing everything they can to keep women and girls safe by placing offenders before the courts. The first step in that processes is victims coming forward.”
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD116/10MAR
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
