Woman found half-naked in Union Street; police appeal for information

The woman, who is in her 30s, had been out with friends the previous night, but had left them to return home before midnight. At around 1am she was found by members of the public on Union Street wearing only a black t-shirt, with no clothes on the lower half of her body.

"While it is not yet clear what exactly had happened to this woman, we are extremely concerned about the several hours between her leaving her friends and being found, and believe she has been the victim of a serious sexual assault," explains Detective Inspector Keith Richardson from Lambeth's Sapphire team.

"We are asking members of the public to think back to the early hours of Friday and contact us if they remember anything. Given that she was in a distressed state and wearing very little clothing it is likely that she was not in the area long before we were alerted.

"Were you in the area at the time? Did you see her being dropped off in this area or wandering the streets in a distressed condition?

"The woman still had her handbag, but no longer had her large cream tote bag which contained a black shawl and newspaper. We are also yet to find the rest of her clothing and ask anyone who finds a pair of black faded jeans, a black leather belt and black pumps."

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 8721 3553; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.