Moment attacker arrested after heroic security staff halt attempted rape in London underpass

Heroic security staff at Canary Wharf train station stopped a sex attacker as he tried to rape a woman in an underpass near the station. Footage shows the moment Syed Imam, 30, was arrested after staff at the station witnessed him trying to carry out the attack.The security team had seen Imam acting suspiciously and were forced to intervene when they saw him forcibly assaulting a vulnerable woman - who was said afterwards to have no recollection of what had occurred. The team detained the man to prevent him fleeing while the Met Police were called to the scene. In bodyworn footage released by the Met, officers, Imam claimed he “had not been seen” committing the offence and called the grounds for arrest “a lie”. Metropolitan PoliceOfficers made the arrest, secured vital evidence, and progressed the investigation to secure a charge within 24 hours. Read MoreThe actions of the security team were praised by the Met Police, who said they were able to arrest the dangerous offender within half an hour of the assault. Imam, from Croydon Road in Beddington, was found guilty of attempted rape on July 2, following a four-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment on September 3. Metropolitan PoliceThe victim was supported by specialist officers to understand the proceedings, remain engaged with the investigation, and to navigate the significant trauma she has experienced. The Met said keeping women and girls safe was one of its top priorities and that this case was evidence of how partnership working, victim-focused policing, and evidence-led investigations could combine to secure justice. Detective Constable Madeleine Powell, who worked on this case stated: “This case shows the important role everyone has to play in tackling violence against women and girls. If security staff at Canary Wharf had not bravely intervened, this violent offender could still be walking our streets, and the victim may have suffered even more harm than she already has.“Everyone has a part to play in the joint action needed to protect women and girls and report concerning behaviour when they see it – you will be listened to and we will take action.“I am proud of our officers who worked at an incredible pace to arrest Imam and present a compelling case, helping us to get justice for the victim and protect the public”According to the Met, positive outcomes, including arrests and charges for rape, have almost doubled in the last year, while arrests and charges for general violence against women and girls is up by 71%.