GOOD samaritans who came to the rescue of a teenage girl may have prevented a serious sexual assault.

The 16-year-old victim and her 17-year-old friend were walking in a wooded area which backs on to Oakdale Court in Oakdale Gardens, Chingford, when they were approached by a man.

He tried to grab the terrified teenager and rip her clothes off, but he ran off after two passers-by stopped to help.

The attacker was described as Asian with an Indian or Pakistani accent, aged between 20 and 30 years old, with black hair and long side burns attached to a goatee beard.

It is believed he had a mole on his left cheek and was wearing a pink t-shirt with a pattern, quarter length beige trousers and white trainers.

The attack happened at at around 5pm on April 22, but police have only today released details.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Paul Tyler, said: “May we stress that members of the public, especially females of this particular age group, should be extra vigilant when walking through these woods.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Paul Tyler on 0203 276 0967 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.