Woman raped by man in Burgess Park who pretended to have a knife

Police are looking for a man in his late 20s to early 30s after a woman was raped in a park.

Police launched an investigation after a woman in her 20s reported she had been raped between around 9.30am and 10.15am in Burgess Park, in Albany Road, Walworth on May 26.

The victim reported she had been approached by a black man with a scar under his eye as she sat on a bench in the park. 

The man asked the victim personal questions before making comments of a sexual nature toward her.

The victim walked away from the man but he followed her. She then ran from the man and tried to hide in a nearby Coburgh nature reserve. 

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

The suspect was described to have dark eyes, bushy eyebrows and a close cut beard. He was of a larger build and spoke with a deep voice in a London accent. 

At the time of the incident he was wearing a black durag cap with black jogging bottoms 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 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.

Pictured top: Entrance to Burgess Park (Picture: Google Street View)