You may have heard the news of the incident on the Common on Monday 9 September.
Mondays incident is very unusual and because of the nature of the crime Lambeth Parks have offered to help police with the appeal for witnesses. Many local people regularly use the common and we hope that sharing this appeal will help the police with information. It is worth saying that Lambeth s Parks are safe places with very low levels of crime.
Detectives are appealing for information or witnesses to an attempted sexual assault.
The attempted sexual assault took place at approximately 1145 on Monday 9 September in Streatham Common Southside, SW16. The victim, a woman aged in her 30s, was walking from her parked car through Streatham Common Southside when a man approached her and stated that he had a knife.
He walked her into a quiet area of the common, pushed her to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her. She managed to prevent the attack and immediately called police.
Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the man. He is described as a white man, approximately 5ft 6 inches to 5ft 7 inches tall and of stocky build. He has brown mousy hair and stubble. He was described as wearing gloves, a hooded black puffa-style coat, a navy jumper, white t-shirt, and black jeans.
DI Michael Murfin from the Met’s Sexual Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said:
“Were you in or around Streatham Common Southside during the morning of Monday 9 September or in the time leading up to or after the attack and did you see a man fitting this description? He was wearing gloves and a thick puffa jacket which may have made him stand out.
“It is possible that he may have been seen in this area in the days before the attack or maybe even approached other women. If you saw him or he approached us please do get in contact with us.”
Additional local officers from Lambeth Borough are patrolling the area, if you have information please stop them and pass it on.
Anyone with information should contact the investigation team on 020 8649 2419 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.