Woman sexually assaulted in Stratford

Police are appealing for information after a woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted in Stratford.

The assault took place on 19 August at around 12.55am as the woman was walking along the alleyway that leads from Holtom Street to Old Town Mews in the Old Town area of Stratford.

She was approached from behind by an unknown man who sexually assaulted her.

The victim managed to escape and flee the scene before raising the alarm.

The offender is described as a white man with fair skin aged 18-29 years old, around 5'8" tall and of a slim build.

He had short light brown hair and was clean shaven with a heart shaped face and prominent jaw line.

At the time of the incident he was believed to be wearing dark blue jeans and a light coloured top.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Lambert said: "This was an extremely distressing incident for the victim and she is currently receiving support from specially trained officers. Officers have been working to identify the person responsible for this offence as quickly as possible and I would urge anyone with information to contact us.

"Following the incident there has been a visible police presence in the area to provide reassurance to the local community."

If anyone witnessed the incident or has information that could help police with their enquiries they are urged to call 101 and quote incident 23 of 19 August 2016. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.