Regent’s Park rapist: Teenage jogger assaulted by stranger in terrifying 7am attack

 
Women warned: Regent's Park
31 May 2012
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A teenage jogger was dragged into bushes and raped in daylight in a terrifying attack in Regent’s Park, police revealed today.

The 19-year-old was walking through the south east area of the park in the early morning when she was dragged into bushes and assaulted.

The stranger attack happened just before 7am last Saturday but police only released details of the incident yesterday.

Police said the victim managed to raise the alarm with a passer-by after the attack which she said may have taken place in the Avenue Gardens area.

The gardens have been a popular location for a number of films, including the King’s Speech.

The victim told police she was pounced on by a man of about 20, wearing a baseball hat who walked with a “distinctive swaying gait.”

She had gone for a run in the park when she was attacked just as she was setting out.

Police today warned women to be on alert, particularly if they are on their own.

Detective Inspector Nicky Arrowsmith, of the Westminster Sapphire Unit which investigates sex crimes, said: “Although this incident took place just before 7am on Saturday morning, early morning users of Regent’s Park, such as joggers or dog walkers, would have been out and about.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in this area of the park and saw or heard anything, or anyone who recognises the description of the suspect to contact my team.”

Police say stranger rapes of this kind are extremely rare in London but issued personal safety to people to watch out for their surroundings, particularly if they are alone.

The suspect is described as black, about 20, medium build, about 5ft 7in tall with short, Afro-style hair.

He was wearing a blue or green t-shirt, possible with horizontal stripes, a baseball style cap of white and dark colour, dark coloured jeans and white sport shoes or trainers.

Police emphasise that stranger rapes in London are rare though the number of rapes reported to the Met in the capital is rising.

Last year there were 3,325 rape attacks reported to police in London - the equivalent of nine a day - and an increase of two per cent on the previous year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Westminster Sapphire Unit on 020 7321 8040 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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