Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenage girl was sexually assaulted in Chadwell Heath.

The victim was standing near to the Capstan Close entrance of Crucible Park, waiting for her friend, when she was grabbed from behind, at around 1.30pm on May 9.

A hand was placed over her mouth and she was carried to the rear of the flats where she was sexually assaulted. But the attacker was disturbed by a noise and the girl escaped.

The suspect was a white male with a tanned appearance. He was wearing a black hooded top.

Det Con Kamal Jethwa said: “This was an assault in a public place and during a busy time. I would urge anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously prior to the assault to get in contact with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Redbridge CID on 020 8345 2679/67 or 101, quoting reference number CRIS 4408934/14 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.