Police want to track down this man after a woman was grabbed and pushed into an alleyway during an attempted rape.

The 26-year-old victim was stalked and attacked in Harrow Road, Leytonstone, on Saturday, June 17, at around 2.50am.

The suspect approached the woman from behind and pushed her into an alleyway, where he attacked her.

Police believe the man was also seen in the Maryland Station area in the time around the incident.

Met Detective Inspector Keith Ward said: "The victim of this crime was alone and on foot when she was targeted by the lone male suspect who followed her for some time before his attack.

"Police also believe that he may have followed other women and possibly approached at least one other female in the vicinity prior to his offence.

"I would appeal to anyone who believes they recognise this suspect from these images to contact police, or anyone who was in this area and believes they may have seen or been approached by this suspect to contact us.

"I am particularly interested in tracing possible witnesses who may have been approached by this suspect or can offer any information which may lead police to his identity."

The suspect is described as a Somali man, aged between 20 and 30, of very slim build with a high hair line.

He was riding a distinctive bicycle with white wheels, wide white rims and white tyres. The bike also has narrow handlebars possibly with turned up handlebar ends.

No arrests have been made at this stage of the investigation. The victim was given hospital treatment and is now receiving support from police.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call police on: 020 8217 6454, the police non-emergency line on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.