Detectives are appealing for help in identifying a man after a woman was followed into her home and raped by a stranger in Croydon.

Officers were called shortly after 9pm on December 3, 2021, after a woman in her 40s reported she had been raped at her home.

Police say the man followed the victim into her home where the attack took place.

According to police, the man was walking down the street before the attack.

Detectives have released an electric facial identification (pictured) of a man they want to speak to and are encouraging anyone who may recognise him to get in touch.

Detective Constable Penelope Rea, the investigating officer from the Public Protection team that covers Croydon, said: “This was an absolutely terrifying ordeal for the victim, and she continues to be supported by specialist officers as we continue to work to identify the man responsible and bring him to justice.

“Since it was reported to us, we have carried out extensive enquiries to identify the man responsible.

“We now really need help from the public to help us identify the man in the E-fit.

“If you recognise him, please get in touch immediately as we urgently need to speak to him.”

If you have any information that could help the police investigation, call 101 or Tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7368/03DEC.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan police said: “Detectives are asking the public to help them identify a man they want to speak to after a woman was followed into her home and raped by a stranger in Croydon.

“Police were called shortly after 21:00hrs on 3 December 2021 after a woman in her 40s reported she had been raped at a residential address in Croydon.

“The man followed the woman into the address where the attack took place.

“It is understood the man was walking down the street prior to the incident.

“Detectives have now released an E-fit of a man they would like to speak to about the attack and they are encouraging anyone who recognises him to get in touch.

“If you have any information that could help the police investigation call 101 or Tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7368/03DEC.

“To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”