Teenage woman raped in Bromley Common area

Detectives are urgently appealing for information after a woman was raped by a stranger in Bromley in the early hours of this morning.

Police were called at 12.39am on Friday, 20 March to reports of a man restraining and assaulting a woman in Turpington Lane, Bromley.

Officers quickly attended and found a distressed woman, aged in her late teens, in Turpington Lane.

The victim told officers she had been dragged into the bushes by an unknown man and raped.

Paramedics attended and took the victim to a South London hospital. She received a head injury and two black eyes in the attack.

The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

Officers, including the Met’s Dog Unit, with assistance from the National Police Air Service searched the area but there was no trace of the suspect.

The suspect is described as a black man, about 5ft 8ins tall, of muscular build, aged no older than 30. He was wearing a grey jumper.

Detective Sergeant James Ivens from the South Area’s Safeguarding team said: “This was an absolutely horrific attack on a young woman and we are doing all we can to support the victim and find who is responsible. However, we also need the public’s help. If you witnessed anything at all in the Turpington Road area, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, please contact my team as a matter of urgency.

“Understandably, this incident is going to cause concern in the local community – but please be assured that crimes of this nature are extremely rare in Bromley. Nevertheless, I’d urge women who are walking alone to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious to police – always call 999 in an emergency.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 181/20MAR. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Pictured: Turpington Lane, Bromley Common.