An e-fit image of a man alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman in New Cross has been released by police.

A woman in her 30s was followed while she was walking home from New Cross station at 2.50am on December 16.

The suspect emerged from behind a skip in front of the woman in Jerningham Road.

He continued to walk alongside her for some time and at the junction of St Asaph Road, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

Detective Constable Marissa Harrison is leading the investigation and is keen for anyone who recognises the man pictured, or who may have been in the area at the time and saw something suspicious.

She said: “We take every incident of sexual assault extremely seriously and are committed to targeting predatory offenders. Women should be able to walk home safely on our streets without fear of being assaulted and so it’s crucial that we find this man.

“Were you in the area at the time? Did you see a man following a woman? Or maybe you live in the area and recognise the man pictured in the image?

“Please share any information or concerns you have with us as it could be vital information to help us in our investigation.”

At this stage, officers believe this to be an isolated incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting CAD XX, or to remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives have released an E-FIT image of a suspect they need to trace in connection with an alleged sexual assault in New Cross Gate.

“A woman in her 30s was walking home from New Cross Station at around 02:50hrs on Saturday, 16 December 2023 when a man started following her.

“In Jerningham Road the man emerged from behind a skip in front of the woman.

“He continued to walk alongside her for some time and at the junction of St Asaph Road, he allegedly sexually assaulted her.”