A 19-YEAR-OLD woman was dragged into a garden and raped last night after being followed from an east London train station.

The victim was grabbed from behind by an Asian man who had seen her get off the train at Blackhorse Road.

The man, who she had seen standing on the platform as she got off the train, followed her along Forest Road and right into Howard Road before forcing her into a private garden off Aubrey Road.

As the assailant fled the scene, the distraught victim made her way into Church Hill and told a passer-by who called the police.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and information following the incident which happened at about 10pm last night.

The suspect is described as being around 25 years old, of slim-medium build and about 5ft 10 in height. He had a full beard and moustache and wore a light-coloured top.

Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to contact the Sapphire team at Chingford police station on 020 8345 3276 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.