Detectives hunting the man behind an Islington attempted rape have put up a £10,000 reward for information that could lead to his arrest, in a renewed public appeal launched today.
The reward, secured from the independent charity Crimestoppers, was announced this morning by Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley during an appearance on BBC’s Crimewatch Live, as officers released fresh footage of the suspect they want to trace.
The Metropolitan Police says the reward money is available for information passed exclusively to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
Victim ‘devastated’ by attack in early July
The incident took place at around 3.20am on Friday, 4 July. A woman in her early 20s was walking in the Essex Road area of Islington when a man approached her, began walking alongside her and harassing her, before dragging her into the entrance of a building on Church Road, where he physically assaulted her and attempted to rape her.
Two members of the public heard the woman shouting for help and intervened. The suspect was last seen fleeing towards Angel.
DCI Ridley said the victim continues to be supported by specialist officers, adding: “This attack has understandably had a devastating impact on her day-to-day life.”
“We’ve conducted extensive enquiries using a range of investigative tools, but we need to trace this man, and we believe the public can help us do that,” he said. “If you recognise him, please contact Crimestoppers. The information you provide could help bring a victim justice and you could receive a reward of up to £10,000.”
“Even if you are not completely certain, please make that call and let us carry out the necessary enquiries.”
CCTV appeal and suspect description
Detectives previously issued a CCTV appeal and are now releasing further footage alongside the reward announcement in an attempt to identify the man.
An image released by officers shows a man they want to identify and speak to in connection with the investigation. He is described as being of average build, between 5ft 8ins and 6ft tall, and had short hair or a shaved head at the time. He was wearing a distinctive tie-dye T-shirt with blue and pink streaks.
Appeal for brave bystander to come forward
As well as the hunt for the suspect, detectives are keen to speak to one of the two passers-by who stepped in during the attack. Detectives have already spoken to one of the witnesses and want to hear from the other.
DCI Ridley made a direct appeal to the man: “While our priority remains identifying and tracing the man shown in the CCTV images, we are also keen to speak to the member of the public who bravely intervened and restrained the attacker for a short time before he made off.”
“He is described as a white man in his late teens or early 20s, with an athletic build and curly ash-blonde hair. He may have crucial information which can support our enquiries, and I would like to make a direct appeal to him to get in touch with police via 101 quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26 if he sees this.”
How the £10,000 reward works
Crimestoppers is an independent charity, and information given to it is completely anonymous — callers are not asked for personal details and no one will know they made contact.
Alexa Loukas, London regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “This was a violent and distressing attack that has had a significant impact on the victim, and our thoughts remain with her.”
“Through this reward we hope to encourage anyone who knows who this man is, or who has information that could help identify him, to come forward. Even information that may seem insignificant could be the missing piece that detectives need,” she added.
Information can be given to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or through their website. Anyone who would rather speak directly to police can call 101, quoting reference CAD 1303/4JUL26.
Key facts
- What: £10,000 Crimestoppers reward announced for information over an attempted rape in Islington.
- When: Announced on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 on BBC’s Crimewatch Live.
- Where: Essex Road / Church Road, Islington, north London.
- The attack: Around 3.20am on Friday, 4 July; a woman in her early 20s was approached, harassed and assaulted. Two members of the public intervened.
- Suspect: Average build, 5ft 8ins to 6ft, short or shaved hair, distinctive blue-and-pink tie-dye T-shirt; last seen fleeing towards Angel.
- Also sought: A white man in his late teens or early 20s, athletic build, curly ash-blonde hair, who intervened during the attack.
- Contact: Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 (anonymous) or police on 101 quoting CAD 1303/4JUL26.
Timeline of the investigation
Friday, 4 July 2026 — around 3.20am: A woman in her early 20s is attacked in the Essex Road area. Two passers-by intervene and the suspect flees towards Angel.
Summer 2026: Detectives issue a CCTV appeal with an image of a man they want to identify in connection with the investigation.
Tuesday, 20 October 2026: DCI Paul Ridley appears on BBC’s Crimewatch Live to announce the £10,000 Crimestoppers reward and release further footage, with a direct appeal for the second bystander to come forward.
