Police seek man after Covent Garden rape
A woman was attacked in a doorway on Macklin Street in the early hours of Saturday.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA woman has been raped in a busy tourist area of central London. The incident occurred in Covent Garden in the early hours of Saturday. Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to identify in connection with the attack.
The victim, a woman in her 20s, was walking through Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus, and Drury Lane at approximately 05:20 BST when she was approached by a man unknown to her. He then dragged her into a doorway in Macklin Street and raped her. The woman was able to leave the scene and reported the incident to the police shortly afterwards.
Description of suspect
Detectives described the suspect as a white man, aged between 25 and 35, with short dark hair. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a grey hoodie, a dark gilet, casual trousers, and trainers. He was also carrying a backpack.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley stated that the victim continues to show 'tremendous courage' and added that 'no woman or girl should feel unsafe on the streets of London'. He appealed to the public for assistance, asking anyone who saw the assault or recognises the man to come forward.
The Metropolitan Police are continuing their inquiries in the local area, and there will be an increased police presence with additional patrols in the vicinity.
Questions this report answers
01When and where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred in Covent Garden in the early hours of Saturday, around 05:20 BST. The assault took place in a doorway on Macklin Street after the victim was approached on Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus, and Drury Lane.
02What information do the police have about the suspect?
Police are seeking a white man, aged between 25 and 35, with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey hoodie, a dark gilet, casual trousers, trainers, and a backpack. A CCTV image of the man has been released.
03What are the police doing to address the incident?
Detectives are conducting inquiries locally and have appealed for public assistance. There will be increased police patrols in the Covent Garden area to enhance safety and gather further information.
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