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.
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A woman in her 20s was attacked and raped in a doorway on Macklin Street in Covent Garden. The incident took place around 05:20 am on Saturday, 22 August 2026. The Metropolitan Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Details of the assault
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The victim was walking through the Covent Garden area, including Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus, and Drury Lane, in the early hours of Saturday. An unknown man approached her, dragged her into a doorway on Macklin Street, and raped her. The woman managed to escape the scene and reported the assault to the police shortly afterwards. She is currently receiving support from specialist officers and services.
Police appeal for information
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation, stated that the police are seeking to identify a man seen in the vicinity of Lisle Street and Drury Lane. This individual is described as white, between 25 and 35 years old, with short dark hair. He was reportedly wearing a grey hoodie, a dark gilet, casual trousers, trainers, and carrying a backpack. Detectives have gathered CCTV footage and are working to trace this man.
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Police received a report of the incident on Masons Avenue on August 17, 2026.
The area was busy at the time of the incident. The police are specifically asking anyone who was in the Covent Garden area between 04:30 am and 06:00 am on Saturday, 22 August, to contact them. Detective Chief Inspector Ridley emphasised that any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial to the investigation and will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Increased police patrols are being conducted in the area. Those with information can contact the police by dialling 101 and quoting the CAD reference 5512/22AUG26. Alternatively, individuals wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Questions this report answers
+When and where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred around 05:20 am on Saturday, 22 August 2026, on Macklin Street in Covent Garden. A woman in her 20s was dragged into a doorway and raped.
+What are the police asking for?
The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone who was in the Covent Garden area between 04:30 am and 06:00 am on Saturday, 22 August, to come forward with any information they may have. They are particularly interested in identifying a man seen in the vicinity.
+How can I provide information to the police?
Information can be shared by calling 101 and quoting CAD reference 5512/22AUG26. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
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