Cops release e-fit and CCTV of man who tried to grab 11-year-old London schoolgirl on the street
The child, who was wearing her school uniform, had just disembarked a bus in Hackney and was walking through the Bannister House Estate when she noticed a man walking behind her
A YOUNG girl escaped an unprovoked assault by biting her attacker's hand before fleeing towards her school.
CCTV images and an e-fit of the suspect have been released by officers following the reported incident in Hackney on September 27.
According to the child, who was wearing he school uniform, she had just disembarked a bus at Homerton Row and was walking through the Bannister House Estate when she noticed a man walking behind her.
She then claims to have been grabbed from behind, and despite struggling the man would not let go.
She eventually broke free after biting down on the suspect's hand and ran to school.
Hackney police are now investigating the incident.
The suspect is described as a black man, aged about 40 and around 6ft with a stocky build.
He reportedly had a spiky beard which was greying and a scratch on his left cheek.
At the time of the attack he was wearing a navy blue beanie hat, a zipped-up hooded top, black trousers and a long jacket to his knees.
He also had three sovereign style rings on his right hand, a sovereign on the little finger of his left hand and a normal ring on another finger.
New CCTV images show a man believed to be the suspect walking away from the scene about 20 minutes after the attack.
He is seen exiting the estate onto Homerton Grove and heading east towards Wardle Street and Brooksby's Walk.
Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, from Hackney CID said: "We returned to the scene for the week anniversary on Tuesday morning to trace any potential witnesses who may have been able to help with the investigation.
"We are still appealing for help and information. Did you witness the incident last Tuesday morning or see a girl fleeing the scene?
"Do you recognise the suspect from the detailed description given, the e-fit produced or the CCTV images? Whilst enquiries are ongoing, it is vital that we continue to gather information and I would ask anyone who believes they know the identity of the attacker to contact my investigation team.
"If you are the individual captured on the CCTV then please come forward.
"We are continuing with extra high visibility patrols in the area to reassure the public."
Anyone who recognises the CCTV or e-fit, or anyone with any information is asked to contact the investigation team at Hackney Borough CID via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.