Woman in 20s dragged into building & sexually assaulted in horror early hours attack as CCTV released in hunt for man

A WOMAN was dragged into a building and sexually assaulted in a horror early hours attack as police launch a manhunt for the attacker. The attack took place in Islington, north London, between Essex Road and Northchurch road at around 3am on Friday, July 4. Police have released CCTV after a woman was sexually assaulted earlier this month The man police want to identify later entered a shop before leaving without making a purchase in Islington The Met Police said the woman – who is in her early 20s – was approached by an unknown man who began harassing her. He then dragged her into the entrance of a building on Northchurch Road where he physically and sexually assaulted her. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The man is then said to have fled in the direction of Angel before two members of the public heard the woman shouting for help and came to her aid. She continues to be supported by specialist officers. Police are now appealing for witnesses who were in the area between 2.45am and 3.30am and have released CCTV images of a man they want to identify. Following the attack, the suspect is believed to have entered a shop on Essex Road but left without making a purchase. He is described as being of average build and approximately 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall. The man is also thought to have short hair or a shaved head and was wearing a distinctive tie-dye T-shirt featuring blue and pink streaks. Most read in The Sun Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation, said: “We take reports of this nature incredibly seriously and are committed to supporting victims and putting those responsible before the courts. “This was a deeply distressing attack on a young woman, which we are investigating as an attempted rape. My officers have been working tirelessly to identify the suspect as quickly as possible. “CCTV shows a man fleeing along Essex Road, running past a bus stop towards Angel. There were a number of vehicles on the road at that time. “Please get in touch with us if you recognise the man or if you have CCTV or dashcam footage that could help our investigation. No piece of information is too small, and what may seem insignificant to you could prove vital to our investigation. “Two members of the public bravely came to the woman’s assistance. While officers have spoken to a woman who intervened, we are yet to speak to man who also stepped in. He is described as a white male in his late teens or early 20s, with an athletic build and curly, ash-blonde hair. “I would like to make a direct appeal to him to get in touch with officers. He may have crucial information to support the investigation and would ask that you contact us as soon as possible.”