Image released in Newham “scary attack” investigation

POLICE HAVE issued a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with an assault which took place in Newham on 17th April – but which began at Shadwell DLR station. Police are also trying to trace two men who assisted the victim.

The police have now confirmed that the female victim of the attack was a 37 year old doctor who worked in the NHS. She took a DLR train from Shadwell to Royal Victoria on her way home from work. A man began acting suspiciously on the train, and she felt that she was being followed.

Although two men whom she did not know walked part of the way home with her, when their paths diverged she still felt nervous – and called police. She had reached Butchers Road, E16, and was still on the phone to the police when she was attacked.

The suspect is described as a black man in his 20s. At the time of the attack he was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a grey hooded top under a dark jacket, and a dark cap.

Detective Constable Alister Kim from North East CID said, “We have no reason to believe that the victim in this case was targeted specifically because she was a doctor or working for the NHS. However, we would urgently seek the public’s help in identifying this man. The victim was subjected to a frightening ordeal, having been followed along the transport network by this suspect who did not leave her alone, even after she sought help from members of the public and made a call to police.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen any part of this incident, either at Shadwell DLR Station, on the DLR itself, or when the victim got off and walked to Butchers Road from Royal Victoria Station. Or did you perhaps see the actions of the victim as she got off and back on the train at Canning Town, followed by the suspect? In particular we are very keen to speak to the two witnesses who helped the victim on her journey home.”

●Anyone who has information which could assist the police is asked to call 101 and quote reference CAD 6121/17. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.

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