Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses after an 81-year-old woman was attacked and raped in Balham.
Police were called to Balham High Road on the evening of Friday, 10 February following reports of a rape.
Officers attended and established that the 81-year-old woman had just got off a number 155 bus in Balham High Road at 20:30hrs when she was followed by a man and attacked in the street. She was taken by force to a secluded area where she was raped.
The woman received injuries during the attack and was taken to hospital.
She was later taken to a Haven Sexual Assault Referral Centre, where she was supported by specialist officers.
Officers from the Met’s Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Command [SOECA] continue to investigate and are appealing for information.
Detective Inspector Melissa Laremore [SOECA] said:“My team are keen to trace a male witness seen on Rinaldo Road, Balham on the evening of the incident. He was wearing a jacket with a distinctive American flag design on the back. I would urge him to come forward and contact police. In addition to this, the victim’s distinctive red Marks and Spencer’s jacket went missing after the attack. My investigators are working to trace it in and around the local area as it is of important evidential value. If you have any knowledge of its whereabouts, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 020 8649 3105 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
+ On Saturday, 11 February a 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape at an address in Tooting. He was charged on Sunday, 12 February with two counts of rape and one count of kidnap/falsely imprisoning a person with intent to commit a sexual offence. He has now been remanded in custody to appear before Wimbledon Magistrates Court tomorrow morning, Monday, 12 February.