Woman sexually assaulted in own home

First CCTV still of the suspect at Arsenal underground station, Thursday 13 May 2010

Listen here to Detective Inspector Beverly Hawes, the investigating officer from the Sapphire unit based at Limehouse: [audio:g126-10officeraudio.MP3]

Police have released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to in connection with the sexual assault of a 28 year old woman who was followed home by her attacker. They were called at around 1.30am on Thursday 13 May following the sexual assault of a woman at her home in Mountgrove Road N5 (Hackney/Islington border).

The woman was followed by a man as she stepped off a Piccadilly Line train at Arsenal Underground Station in Gillespie Road, Islington, at around twenty minutes past midnight. The man followed the woman along Gillespie Road and Blackstock Road, attempting to engage her in conversation. He continued to follow her to her home address and forced his way into the property. He then pushed the woman to the floor in the hallway and sexually assaulted her.

The man left the scene and headed back along Gillespie Road and into Arsenal Underground Station.

Police say he is aged between 25 and 35, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, of medium build with short brown short hair. He wore jeans, a light coloured shirt, light coloured belt and light coloured trainers. He later wore a zip up top. He spoke with an English accent.

Second CCTV still of suspect at Arsenal underground station Thursday 13 May 2010

Detective Inspector Beverly Hawes, the investigating officer from the Sapphire unit based at Limehouse, said: “The victim suffered a terrible attack on her own doorstep.

“I urgently appeal to anyone who may recognise the man captured on CCTV, or has any information that can assist this investigation, to contact police.

“We would like to reassure the community that incidents of this nature are rare, but understandably can cause great concern. The Metropolitan Police takes all allegations of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously. The investigation into this incident continues, led by dedicated officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Sapphire command.”

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 7275 3954 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.