Attempted sexual assault at Elephant and Castle

At approximately 3.30am on Monday 28 March a woman was attacked as she walked in the subway beneath New Kent Road, near the Elephant and Castle. The events unfolded live on CCTV being monitored by security staff.

Security officers immediately alerted police who rushed to the scene. At the scene a 27-year-old man was arrested. He was taken to a south London police station where he remains in custody.

After the attempted assault the woman headed towards the London Bridge end of the subway. Despite searching the area we were unable to find the victim and she has not yet reported the incident to police.

The woman was white, aged in her late 20s/early 30s with brown hair (possibly tied up), medium build. She was wearing dark clothing, ankle boots and was carrying a bag or rucksack. The suspect was black in his late twenties.

The officer in charge of the investigation DS Rupert Bonny of Southwark police Sapphire Unit said: “We urge this woman to come forward as soon as possible. We are concerned for her welfare and need to speak to her about the incident.

“We treat matters of this nature extremely seriously. She will be looked after by specially trained officers with great sensitivity.

“We would also like to hear from any witnesses or anyone who may know who the victim is”.

Anyone with information should contact Southwark Police Sapphire Unit on 020 7232 6182.