30/07/2015

Police Investigate Attacks On Women In Leyton And Hackney

Police have renewed an appeal for information on two incidents on Leyton and Hackney Marshes on Wednesday, 15 July.

On the day, two woman were attacked in separate incidents, which were later connected following descriptions of the suspected attacker.

The first incident occurred shortly before 10:15 on 15 July when a woman in her 30s was chased as she was running near the red bridge on Hackney Marsh, E5.

The suspect did not catch the victim and was scared off by the woman shouting to alert nearby members of the public.

The second incident occurred shortly after when a woman in her 20s was struck on the head, and a suspect attempted to take her clothes off. This took place near the riding centre, off Lea Bridge Road, E10.

The woman managed to get away from the suspect to a nearby address.

In both incidents the suspect was described as a tall black man, aged in his 30s. He was riding a bike.

Officers are also aware of a third incident which took place shortly before 22:00 on Saturday, 25 July in Middlesex Filter Beds, Lea Valley. A woman in her 20s was attacked while she was cycling.

During the attack the woman was punched repeatedly in the face by a man and suffered serious facial injuries.

At this stage there is no evidence to link this latest incident to the offences on Leyton and Hackney Marshes. However, detectives from the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command have now taken primacy for all three incidents.

Over the course of the investigation five men have been arrested.

Detective Inspector Tracey Cormack, who is leading the investigation, said: "Specialist detectives are working around the clock to establish the full facts in relation to each incident.

"Patrols on the marshes and the local area have been increased. In the meantime I would urge women using the marshes and nearby open areas to continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

(MH)

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