Woman raped by stranger in Covent Garden doorway, Met Police release CCTV

A woman in her 20s was raped by an unknown man who dragged her into a doorway in Macklin Street, Covent Garden, at around 5.20am on Saturday 22 August.

Rape in Covent Garden: Met Police hunt man caught on CCTV near Drury Lane

A woman in her 20s was raped by a stranger in a Covent Garden doorway in the early hours of Saturday, 22 August, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed. Standard.co.uk reports that detectives have launched an urgent appeal and released CCTV footage as part of the investigation.

The victim had been walking through Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus and Drury Lane when an unknown man began following her. At around 5.20am, he dragged her into a doorway on Macklin Street and raped her.

She managed to flee the scene and reported the attack to police shortly afterwards. She continues to receive support from specialist officers and dedicated services.

Officers immediately launched enquiries and gathered CCTV footage showing a man in the vicinity of Lisle Street and Drury Lane. Police are now working to identify and trace him.

The suspect is described as white, aged between 25 and 35, with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey hoodie with a dark gilet, casual trousers and trainers, and was carrying a backpack.

The Metropolitan Police noted the area was particularly busy at the time of the attack. The force is urging anyone who was in the Covent Garden area between 4.30am and 6am on Saturday to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with the victim who continues to demonstrate tremendous courage."

"No woman or girl should feel unsafe on the streets of London, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of those who commit these terrible offences. Officers continue to conduct enquiries locally and there will be increased patrols in the area."

Ridley added: "We're also appealing for the public's help as part of our investigation. We are confident there are witnesses and that someone will recognise the man in the footage. While we understand that speaking to police can be daunting, all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. No matter how insignificant you believe it to be, any information could prove crucial to the investigation."

Anyone with information can contact police via 101, quoting CAD reference 5512/22AUG26. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: The Sun