Manhunt after teenage girl raped in Ealing while waiting for bus

Do you recognise this man? (Met police/ES composite)
Do you recognise this man? (Met police/ES composite)

Police are hunting for a man after a teenage girl waiting for a bus in Ealing, west London, was raped by a stranger.

The girl, aged in her late teens, was waiting at a bus stop near Ealing Broadway Station and Haven Green between 1am and 2am on July 5 when she was approached by a man she did not know.

He took her to a nearby alley where he raped her, said Metropolitan Police.

On Wednesday Met detectives investigating the “horrific” attack shared a CCTV image of a man they want to trace and urged anyone who recognises him to come forward.

They said the attack happened on the night of the Euros quarter finals between Spain and Germany, and Portugal and France, when many people were out watching the football at pubs and bars.

Detective Constable Jacquie Smith said: “This was a horrific ordeal for the victim who we continue to offer help and support to.

“We have been carrying out a range of enquiries since the incident happened but now need the help of the public.

“We are releasing an image of a man we need to identify and speak to in connection with this investigation. The man can be seen wearing a blue gilet, a black shirt and black shorts. We would ask anyone who recognises this man to contact us immediately.

“This shocking incident took place on the same weekend as the quarter finals of the recent Euros, when many people in the area would have been in pubs in the area, or coming home from an evening out. I am keen to hear from these people who may have seen or heard something vital."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 4523/05JUL24, or by tweeting @MetCC. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.