Woman attacked by stranger who dragged her into garden in north London ambush

Detectives are hunting an attacker who dragged a woman into a north London garden.

The Metropolitan Police were called to Manor Park Gardens in Barnet just before 10.30pm on Thursday.

Police were called by a member of the public who found the woman partially clothed and saw a suspect fleeing the scene.

The 20-year-old victim was walking down the road when the suspect, who was hiding in a garden, jumped out and dragged her into the garden, she told police.

She is being supported by specialist officers as police search for CCTV footage from the streets around the crime scene.

Detective Inspector Richard Lewsley, from the North West Public Protection Team, said: “I understand that this is a shocking and deeply concerning incident.

“I would like to reassure the local community that we are treating this as an absolute priority and my officers are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect.

“We are appealing to the public to help us find the suspect as quickly as possible. We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of ​​Manor Park Gardens between 10.15pm and 10.30pm who may have seen the suspect fleeing the area.

“Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could be vital to our swift investigation.”

The suspect is described as a white male with a stocky build, wearing a white T-shirt and shorts and black trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting 2843/28Jun or text @MetCC on X. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.