Charlotte Newton A WOMAN is recovering after being dragged into woodland, punched and knocked to the ground in what police believe was a sexually motivated attack. The victim, who is in her 30s, was walking north on the east side pavement of Muswell Hill

Charlotte Newton

A WOMAN is recovering after being dragged into woodland, punched and knocked to the ground in what police believe was a sexually motivated attack.

The victim, who is in her 30s, was walking north on the east side pavement of Muswell Hill Road, past Summersby Road in Highgate at 8.30pm on Sunday August 30. As she passed the entrance to Queen's Wood she was grabbed from behind, dragged to the ground and into the woods.

She screamed and struggled to get free but her attacker punched her causing heavy bruising. A passer by heard the commotion and the attacker was scared off.

He is believed to have fled in the direction of Muswell Hill.

Det Con Amanda Christodoulou of Haringey Police said: "This is being treated as a sexually motivated attack on a lone female walking home in the evening, just as light was beginning to fade.

"We believe that this could have been a far more serious assault, but thankfully this woman's valiant struggles to get away from the suspect attracted the attention of a member of public and resulted in the suspect fleeing.

"Muswell Hill Road is a busy stretch of road and we are appealing to anyone that may have seen any part of this incident or noticed anyone loitering in the area to contact us with information."

The suspect is described as being a black man aged in his 20s, of slim build, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall, with short hair. He was wearing a short black leather jacket and black trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Amanda Christodoulou of

Haringey's sapphire unit on 020-8345 1956, or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The sapphire unit has a number of rape alarms available. Anyone who is concerned about personal safety and would like an alarm should call 020-8345 1956.