Horror as woman, 81, dragged into an alley and raped after being followed off a bus
POLICE are investigating after an 81-year-old woman was allegedly dragged into an alleyway - and raped.
Police are investigating after an 81-year-old woman was allegedly dragged into an alleyway and raped
Officers believe she was followed off a bus in an affluent area of London, attacked, and pulled from the main road.
The elderly woman was rushed to hospital following the incident, in Balham, south west London, before being taken to a Haven Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
A 41-year-old man was arrested after the attack around 8.30pm on Friday, and was charged with two counts of rape and one count of falsely imprisoning a person with intent to commit a sexual offence.
The victim was allegedly dragged into an alleyway
Officers from the Met's Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Command continue to investigate and are appealing for information.
Detective Inspector Melissa Laremore said: "My team are keen to trace a male witness seen on Rinaldo Road, Balham on the evening of the incident.
"He was wearing a jacket with a distinctive American flag design on the back.
"I would urge him to come forward and contact police.
The elderly woman was rushed to hospital following the incident
"In addition to this, the victim's distinctive red Marks and Spencer's jacket went missing after the attack.
"My investigators are working to trace it in and around the local area as it is of important evidential value.
"If you have any knowledge of its whereabouts, please get in touch."