The hunt is on to find a man who attacked and raped a woman in Alperton.

The victim, who is in her 20s, was walking along the towpath from the direction of Ealing Road to Manor Farm Road, on July 3 at around 8pm when her attacker approached her and started to talk to her in Polish.

After a brief chat he pushed her to the ground and raped her.

He fled the scene after he was disturbed by woman who was wearing a pink jacket and walking a small dog.

He made off in the direction of the Sainsbury’s supermarket.

The rapist is white, approximately 5ft 10ins tall, with short hair and was wearing a dark coloured jacket.

Detective Inspector Daniel Smith, said: “The victim was subjected to a horrific attack as she simply made her way home. Despite it being late evening when the incident occurred it was still light outside and there would have been a number of people using the towpath that may have witnessed the events leading up to the attack or the attack itself.

“I am particularly keen to hear from the woman described by the witness as she may hold some vital information that could assist us with our investigation.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives on 020 7161 0152 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.