Detectives have released images of a suspect they want to trace after a woman was stabbed in the back by a cyclist in a street in Ilford.
Officers called to the scene of the attack, at around 8.05pm on Friday, July 8 on St Johns Road, found a 27-year-old woman who was taken to hospital where her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.
Chief Inspector Chris Byrne said: “I know that this attack on a woman, coming so soon after the tragic murder of Zara Aleena, will be of great concern to Londoners and particularly to people in Ilford. Of course, my colleagues and I share those concerns and we are working hard to do everything possible to keep people safe.
“The woman was attacked by a male riding a bicycle, who rode away in the direction of Meads Lane, Ilford. Anyone who recognises the person in the images circulated is urged to call police immediately. One image shows the suspect in Meads Lane around the time of the attack. The suspect is pictured in black clothing and a black bag, with a white and black bicycle helmet and a distinctive green bicycle.
“Local people will have seen more police officers in the Ilford area since the murder of Zara Aleena two weeks ago. We have deployed additional resources to the local area including officers who specialise in tackling violent crime. We will continue to adjust our plans to ensure that officers are visible and available to support the community this weekend and in subsequent days. If you have any concerns or information, please do speak with those officers.”
There has been no arrest at this time and enquiries continue.
Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD7258/8Jul. Alternatively, you can provide information to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
