Walked past suspect on Gunnersbury Lane on night of the attack

New footage has been released by police investigating the rape of a woman in Acton last month.

The CCTV shows a man believed to be the suspect, walking along Gunnersbury Lane in the direction of Acton Underground Station at 10.13pm on the night of the attack on Saturday, 28 September. He is seen passing three other men who police are anxious to trace and interview as witnesses.

Under an hour earlier a woman had been attacked nearby on Langford Close. The woman, aged in her twenties, told police she had been approached from behind by a man who put his hand over her mouth to stop her screaming. He then forced her to an alleyway where he carried out the assault.

A member of the public heard what was happening and called police.

The man – who was described as skinny, and spoke with a London accent - ran off towards Uxbridge Road.

Still from the CCTV footage showing suspect and witnesses

Prior to the attack, the woman had left Acton Town Station and walked along Avenue Road and then Langley Drive, at some point along this route police believe the suspect began to follow her.

She continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

Detectives would like to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time and who heard or saw anything suspicious.

A man was arrested close to the scene on suspicion of rape, but he has since been eliminated from the inquiry.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at the West Area Command Unit via 101 or contact police via Twitter @MetCC quoting reference Cad 7575/28Sep.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Entrance to Langford Close. Property in foreground not connected to incident

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at the West Area Command Unit via 101 or contact police via Twitter @MetCC quoting reference Cad 7575/28Sep

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Police are separately making an appeal to find a man sought in connection with a sexual assault that took place on Avenue Gardens in Acton on Saturday, 27 July. They have issued an eFit of the person they wish to speak to in connection.

October 23, 2019