Police appeal for witnesses after Covent Garden rape
Detectives want to identify a man seen in the area shortly after the assault on a woman in her 20s.
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The Metropolitan Police are seeking information from the public following a rape in Covent Garden. A woman in her 20s was attacked in the early hours of Saturday, 22 August. Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they wish to identify and speak to in connection with the incident.
Details of the assault
Woman raped in Covent Garden doorway
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after an assault in Macklin Street in the early hours of Saturday, 22 August.
The victim was walking through Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus and Drury Lane at approximately 05:20 hrs when she was approached by an unknown man. The man dragged her into a doorway in Macklin Street and carried out the assault. The woman managed to escape the scene and reported the incident to the police shortly afterwards. She is currently receiving support from specialist officers.
Appeal for witnesses
Detectives have gathered CCTV footage showing a man in the Lisle Street and Drury Lane areas. This individual is described as white, aged between 25 and 35, with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey hoodie, a dark gilet, casual trousers, trainers, and was carrying a backpack. The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone who was in the Covent Garden area between 04:30 and 06:00 hrs on Saturday, 22 August, to contact them with any information they may have.
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Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation, stated that increased patrols will be present in the area. He added that officers are confident that witnesses exist and that someone will recognise the man depicted in the released footage. Information can be provided by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 5512/22AUG26. Alternatively, individuals can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Questions this report answers
+When and where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred in Covent Garden in the early hours of Saturday, 22 August. The victim was approached on Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus and Drury Lane before being dragged into a doorway in Macklin Street, where the rape took place at approximately 05:20 hrs.
+What information are the police looking for?
The Metropolitan Police are appealing for anyone who was in the Covent Garden area between 04:30 and 06:00 hrs on Saturday, 22 August, to come forward. They are particularly keen to identify and speak to a man seen in the Lisle Street and Drury Lane areas.
+What is the description of the suspect?
The suspect is described as a white male, aged between 25 and 35, with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey hoodie, a dark gilet, casual trousers, trainers, and was carrying a backpack.
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