Appeal after woman raped in south London park

Victim says her attacker claimed to have a knife during the attack in Burgess Park in Camberwell.

Police launched an investigation after a woman in her 20s reported she had been raped on May 26th
Author: Aileen O'SullivanPublished 9th Jun 2023

An investigation is underway after a woman was raped by an unknown man in a south London park.

A woman in her 20s says it happened between around 9:30 and 10:15 on Friday May 26th.

The victim says she was approached by a man as she sat on a bench in the park. The man asked the victim personal questions before then making comments of a sexual nature toward her.

The victim walked away from the man who followed her.

She then ran from the man and attempted to hide in a nearby Coburgh nature reserve.

The man, who intimated he had a knife, followed her into the nature reserve where the assault took place.

“This was a truly horrific incident"

The man is described as black, in his late 20s to early 30s and had a scar under his eye on the left side of his face. He had dark eyes, bushy eyebrows and was of a larger build. He spoke with a deep voice and had a London accent. He had a close cut beard. At the time of the incident he was wearing a black durag type cap/hat with black jogging bottoms with no visible logo with zips on the pockets.

Detective Constable Timea Fazekas, leading the investigation, said: “This was a truly horrific incident for the victim and she is being fully supported by officers specially trained to investigate sexual offences.

“Despite this undoubtedly terrifying ordeal the victim is able to recall significant details about the attacker. I ask members of the public to consider this description and speak to us if you think you know who the man could be.

"Similarly, if you were in the park at the time and perhaps and remember seeing a man matching this description, or anything out of the ordinary, please get in touch with us without delay.”

Anyone who has information that could help the investigation is asked to call police on 101 or via Twitter @MetCC. And give reference CAD 2579/26MAY.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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