Man sought after attempted rape in Hackney

Police investigating the attempted rape of a woman in Hackney have issued a CCTV still of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

The image shows a white man, riding on a Barclays Cycle Hire Bike in Hackney Road shortly before the incident. The man is described as aged between 25-35 years, at least 6 feet tall and of muscular build.

The incident occurred at around 2:45am on Tuesday, 20 November 2012 as a 28-year-old woman was walking along Goldsmith Row, Hackney. About 40 metres from the junction with Hackney Road she was approached by a man riding a Barclays Cycle Hire bicycle.

The man robbed her before trying to rape her. He was disturbed by passers-by and rode off towards Broadway Market.

Officers have traced the passers-by who disturbed the attacker but are keen to speak to anyone else who was in the area at the time of the incident, or anyone who may recognise the man pictured on the bicycle.

The CCTV image can be seen below:

Anyone who saw a man on a Barclays Cycle Hire bike hanging around the area of Hackney Road and Goldsmith Row around this time should contact the Sapphire Unit at Shoreditch, quoting crime reference number 4631093/12. See related link for contact details.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.