Wannabe Rapist Targeted 13 Year-Old Girl: E-Fit Released

Detectives investigating the attempted rape of a 13-year old schoolgirl have released this e-fit of the suspect in the hope that someone will identify him.

Officers from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command launched an investigation on Wednesday, June 8 after a man approached the girl at about 8.20am in Highbury and placed his hand over her mouth.

The suspect forced her into Coach House Lane where he assaulted her before a member of the public interrupted and confronted him, causing him to leave the scene.

The suspect then approached a teenage boy who was riding a bike and took the cycle from him.

He rode it a short distance along Highbury Hill before abandoning the bike and making off on foot.

Police attended the scene and conducted a search, however the suspect could not be found and nor could the teenage cyclist.

Despite numerous enquires neither the suspect nor the teenager have been identified.

Detective Constable Ben Lucas, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Our investigation is progressing well and we have already spoken to a number of witnesses who have come forward to provide information; I would thank them for their assistance so far.

“However, we are still keen to trace the teenage male cyclist as he would have got a very clear view of the suspect and could provide us with vital information.

"With the help of another witness we have created an e-fit of the suspect. We hope this will help identify him and I would urge anyone who recognises the e-fit image to contact police as soon as possible.

"We continue to provide support to the very young victim and her family. This was a terrifying ordeal that took place in daylight as she walked to school and I am keen to identify and arrest the suspect as soon as possible."

The suspect is described as a white man, about 6ft tall and of muscular build. He had black and grey hair.

Anyone with information about either the suspect or the teenager on the bike is asked to call 101 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.