Police appeal after attempted rape at Finchley Road cinema

Detectives have released CCTV footage of a man they wish to speak to following an attempted rape at a cinema in north-west London, on Wednesday afternoon.

A woman in her 30s reported that a man seriously sexually assaulted her at a cinema on Finchley Road in South Hampstead on 11 June at about 15:45 BST, the Metropolitan Police said.

Det Ch Insp Paul Ridley said: “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 man as soon as possible.”

In the footage, a man is seen leaving the venue after the incident and walking south down Finchley Road towards Swiss Cottage.

He is described as in his 50s, approximately 5ft 6in, with a slim build and has dark hair on the sides of his head.

He is wearing a black North Face coat and glasses in the CCTV footage.

Det Ch Insp 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 going about their daily lives.”

He urged anyone who may have any information, particularly if they were on Finchley Road on Wednesday afternoon, to contact police.