A Good Samaritan managed to stop a suspected attempted rape after spotting a man trying to bundle a woman into a car, police have said.
Detectives have launched an urgent appeal to find the female victim after the incident, which took place at 12.20am on Thursday, in Shacklewell Road, Dalston.
Police were called to the scene by a member of the public who reported that a man was trying to sexually assault a woman.
A brave passer-by stepped in to free the woman and managed to hold on to the suspect until police arrived.
The 63-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted rape.
He was taken to an east London police station where he is currently being detained.
The woman fled the scene and police have been unable to identify her.
DC Joanne Gaffney said: “This woman has probably gone through a very traumatic experience and I fully understand why she ran from the scene.
“I want to assure her, or anyone who knows her, that we can offer her advice and support from specially trained officers who are sexual offence experts.
“I really hope she will contact police and tell us what happened. At the very least this would give us the chance to make sure she is okay and is supported. Our first concern is for her welfare.
“Even if she does not want to speak to police, I urge her to speak with her doctor or those charities or organisations that offer advice and support for vulnerable women and not to shoulder this burden alone.
“I cannot stress enough that the well-being of this woman is our prime motivation. If you are the woman, or you know her, please do get in touch.”
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD116/10MAR
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
