A campaign group has claimed violence against women is reaching ‘epidemic’ levels with everyday activities becoming dangerous after an alleged attempted rape in a cinema.
A woman, in her 30s, reported that she had been attacked at a cinema in Finchley at around 3.45pm on June 11.
She is being supported by specialist officers, the Met said.
Detectives have released new CCTV footage of a man they wish to speak to over the incident which is being treated as an attempted rape at the busy cinema in the middle of the day as the investigation into the ‘horrific’ incident intensifies.
In the clip a man can be seen leaving the cinema and waking down Finchley Road.
He is described as being in his 50s, approximately 5ft 6ins tall, with a slim build. He has dark hair on the sides of his head and was captured on CCTV wearing a North Face coat and glasses.
Heidi Riedel, CEO at Woman’s Trust, said a woman being targeted in a cinema showed how brazen attackers were be becoming, targeting women in their everyday activities.
She told Metro: ‘This is a shocking incident – no one should feel unsafe at the cinema, or when they are out and about doing routine activities. While this is hopefully an isolated event, it is an indication of how serious the violence against women and girls epidemic is here in the UK, and how bold and opportunistic perpetrators can be.
‘Most importantly, we hope the woman is safe and getting the proper support she needs, including specialist counselling, to help her process this traumatic event.’
Detectives have not made any arrests and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them. They rehashed a CCTV clip of the man they want to speak to on Monday after previously issuing a still image from footage.
This Is Not Right
On November 25, 2024 Metro launched This Is Not Right, a year-long campaign to address the relentless epidemic of violence against women.
With the help of our partners at Women’s Aid, This Is Not Right aims to shine a light on the sheer scale of this national emergency.
You can find more articles here, and if you want to share your story with us, you can send us an email at vaw@metro.co.uk.
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Detective Inspector Paul Ridley said: ‘We are steadfast in our commitment to take those who pose the biggest threat off our streets, so women and girls in London can feel safe about going about their everyday lives.
‘This horrific attack happened in the middle of the day in a busy establishment – highlighting the brazen and opportunistic nature of the offender.
‘It is really important we find this offender.’
A Met Police spokesperson statement after the incident said: ‘Detectives have released an image of a man they wish to speak to following an attempted rape in Finchley on Wednesday.
‘A woman in her 30s reported that a man seriously sexually assaulted her at a cinema in South Hampstead at around 3.45pm. She is currently being supported by specialist officers.
‘The man, pictured, is believed to have left the venue following the incident – walking towards Swiss Cottage.
‘The investigation team are looking to hear from anyone who believes they saw – or know – this man.’
Anyone with information should call police on 101 and quote 5365/11JUN.
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