Teenage girl raped by man with skull and crossbones cheek tattoo after Canning Town rave
A police mock up of the face tattoo worn by the attacker - Credit: Archant
A teenage girl was raped by a man with a skull and crossbones tattoo on his cheek as she travelled home after a rave.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward who might have information about the sex attack which happened at about 4am on November 30 last year, close to Star Lane DLR station in Canning Town.
The 16-year-old was thought to be making her way home after a rave party in nearby Cody Road when she was grabbed from behind by a stranger described as tall, black and in his early 20s.
An artists impression of the tattoo which police said appeared “haphazard” and “not professionally finished” has been released.
“We believe that the suspect may have been at the rave and in the area earlier on that night,” said Det Insp Simon Dobinson.
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“I would particularly appeal to anyone who may recognise the description of the suspect, or of any person who has such a tattoo.”
The man was said to be wearing a hooded top with a white motif on the left breast — possibly a Ralph Lauren logo — dark tracksuit trousers with two white stripes down each leg and white Nike Airforce trainers with the brand’s trademark swoosh on either side.
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The victim is receiving support from specially trained officers.
Police stressed that stranger rapes of this kind were extremely rare in London but reminded people to be aware of their personal safety and surroundings.
Anyone with information should contact Det Con Suzie Chantry, from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, on 020 8217 7474 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
