Hunt is launched for man after 'woman approached by stranger on the street, dragged into a building and sexually assaulted'

Published: 23:07, 27 July 2026 | Updated: 23:18, 27 July 2026 Police have launched a manhunt after a woman was allegedly approached by a stranger on the street, dragged into a building and sexually assaulted.  The attack reportedly unfolded in the early hours of Friday, July 4. Met Police said that a woman in her early 20s was approached by a man in Islington, London, and that he began harassing her while she walked alone. He then allegedly dragged her into a building where he sexually assaulted her.  After the assault, the attacker is said to have fled to Angel while two people came to the woman's aid.  Police said they have spoken to the woman who intervened but have not yet spoken to the man who helped the victim.  The alleged assault took place in the Essex Road and Northchurch Road area of north London.     The woman is now being supported by specialist officers, police said.  Police believe this man may have information after a woman reported being sexually assaulted in Islington, north London The force are now appealing for anyone who could have seen the attack or the man.  He is described as being of an average build and could be between 5ft 8 to 6ft tall. He had short hair or a shaved head.  On the day of the attack, the alleged attacker was wearing a tie-dye T-shirt featuring blue and pink streaks.  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 the 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.' Police said that anyone with information should go to the Metropolitan Police website or should call 101, quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.