Police are investigating after a young girl was dragged into bushes and raped while she had been jogging.

Metropolitan Police says the 14-year-old girl was raped in Goodmayes Park around 2.30pm on Monday, February 1.

The force says the girl was jogging in the park having started near the basketball courts when she was grabbed by a male.

He had then forced her into bushes and attacked her, police said.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 17-20 years of age, around 6ft tall with straight blonde hair and a slight moustache.

He was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms and a long black jacket, police said.

The victim is being supported by specially trained officers and police have increased visible patrols in the area.

There have been no arrests and investigations are ongoing.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Constable Gemma Morris from the East Area Command Unit, said: “Goodmayes Park would have been busy at the time of the afternoon and I am appealing to anyone that was in the park and saw the male described to please come forward and provide us with information.

“No matter how small or insignificant you think your information might be, it could really help our investigation.”

People can get in touch with police by calling 101 or tweeting MetCC and quote CAD5395/1Feb. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.