POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 12-year-old schoolgirl was raped in broad daylight in the street in East London. Detectives at Leytonstone have begun an appeal today for witnesses following Tuesday morning’s attack
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 12-year-old schoolgirl was raped in broad daylight in the street in East London.
Detectives at Leytonstone have begun an appeal today for witnesses following Tuesday's attack.
The girl was grabbed from behind while walking along Cann Hall Road at 8.25am by a youth who then pulled her into a front garden and raped her.
She had got off a bus in Leytonstone High Road before turning into Cann Hall Road where she was attacked at the corner of Worsley Road.
"The girl is just 12 and naturally has been left deeply traumatised," said Det Ins Declan Williams.
"This is a busy area at a busy time of day.
"The girl remembers seeing a woman on the opposite side of the road shortly before she was attacked. We'd like that woman to call us."
The attacker was described as a black, in his teens, with a tattoo on his right hand, who wore a dark jacket zipped up over his face. He made off afterwards on a yellow bike.
Detectives say if it helps witness the appeal, the victim is white.
They are appealing to anyone with information to contact the Sapphire unit on 020-8435 3401, any police station or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.
A 19-year-old youth was arrested on suspicion of rape on Tuesday night and was still in custody at Ilford police station yesterday.
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