A reward of up to £10,000 has been offered by detectives to trace a cyclist who pushed a woman into an alleyway and attempted to rape her.

The 26-year-old victim was followed and attacked by a man in Harrow Road, Leytonstone shortly after 2am on Saturday, June 17.

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

Police believe the man had been in the Maryland station area on a distinctive bicycle with white wheels and white tyres and narrow handlebars which were turned up.

The woman received hospital treatment and specialist support from police.

The reward offered is for information that leads to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator.

Police have released CCTV images of a cyclist in Leytonstone High Road whom they wish to speak with.

Detective Inspector Jimi Tele, of the Met's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: "The victim of this crime was alone and on foot when she was targeted by a man who followed her for some time before his attack.

"One line of enquiry we are investigating is if he followed other women, and possibly approached at least one other woman, in the local area prior to this attack being carried out.

"I would appeal to anyone who believes they recognise this suspect from the 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."

  • Anyone with information is asked to call police on the police non-emergency line on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111 or by tweeting: @MetCC