Police are appealing for information about a man who they wish to speak to in relation to an attempted rape.

Ilford Recorder: He got off at Redbridge Tube stationHe got off at Redbridge Tube station (Image: Archant)

A woman in her early 30s was travelling on the Central line when she asked a man for directions.

Ilford Recorder: He was seen carrying a black holdallHe was seen carrying a black holdall (Image: Archant)

He offered to help her and they got off at Redbridge Tube station at about 8.10pm on December 18.

After walking for 10 minutes along The Drive, Ilford, the man grabbed the woman’s arm and pulled her into Cowley Road where he attempted to rape her before running off.

The man is described as Asian, wearing a light brown jacket, blue jeans, white trainers and a blue woolly hat. He was carrying a black holdall.

Det Con Karen Sweeny, from the Met’s sexual offences squad, said: “I would appeal to anyone who recognises this man, or who was in the area of Redbridge Underground station, to contact police.

“He attacked a lone woman who had simply asked for directions.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 020 8217 9874, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.