Detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify a man they want to speak to following a rape in north London.

The incident occurred on Monday, 16 December 2019 at approximately 03:30hrs.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was heading home after a night out and was walking on a street off Dartmouth Park Hill in Highgate, N19.

A man suddenly approached her, threatened her and forced her to perform a sex act.

Detectives are keen to identify and speak to a man captured on CCTV around the time of the incident.

He is a black male who was wearing a fur-lined hooded jacket, dark jeans, dark trainers and a dark top with a logo. He was described as having a London accent.

Detective Sergeant Stacey Smith from the Central North safeguarding team, leading the investigation, said:

“This was an appalling attack on a lone woman who was targeted late at night and subjected to serious sexual violence.

“We need the public’s help to find the attacker. If you recognise the man in the pictures we have released for this appeal, please come forward and speak to us.

“If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, it is vital you get in touch. It could lead to a dangerous offender being taken off the streets.”

If you can assist police with their enquiries, call the Public Protection Unit on 07827802196.

Alternatively, call police on 101, tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting Operation Exmoor.

+ A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape on the morning of the incident. He was interviewed, and later released with no further action.