A woman was sexually assaulted and threatened with a knife while walking along a residential road in Stratford.
The 22-year-old woman was walking along Morley Road at around 12.30am on September 1 when she was approached by a man.
The suspect threatened the victim with a knife, stole her bag, and then sexually assaulted her.
According to police the suspect ran off after a passer-by overheard the attack and intervened.
Detectives investigating the attempted rape and robbery have since released a picture of the stolen bag and are appealing to anyone who may have been offered it to come forward.
A Met spokesman said: “Detectives are keen to trace anyone who may have seen - or has since been offered - the stolen bag, which now forms a key part of the investigation and has yet to be recovered.
“The bag is described as a light green ‘tote’ bag with stud detail.”
On Friday, a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and attempted rape. He has been bailed whilst the investigation continues.
Officers have also identified the passer-by who is assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Graham Alger on 0208 217 7474 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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