CCTV which could have snared a dangerous sexual predator who attacked a woman on her doorstep was not working, it has emerged.

Housing manager Ascham Homes has apologised to the 24-year-old victim, who was followed home to the Stocksfield Road Estate in Walthamstow last month.

The woman also criticised the police for not responding to a 999 call when the woman said she could see the man lurking near the estate after the attack.

Police said they were dealing with another serious incident.

The victim said: "The police are still looking for my attacker but they are finding it difficult because they don't know exactly what he looks like.

She added: "It's really really frustrates me. I'm still scared to go out."

The victim's husband added: "The images from the cameras could have been crucial for the case. We feel really down.

"There is nothing we can do about it. Without the image the police are not able to trace him. We are hoping that we may bump into him ourselves and catch him that way."

He said the couple plan to move away from the area because they no longer felt safe.

An Ascham Homes spokesman said: "We would like to apologise to the victim of the crime that these CCTV cameras were not working when they were needed most.

"Tackling crime and disorder in Waltham Forest is a high priority for Ascham Homes and we are working hard with the police and our partners to reduce crime in our borough.

"We are currently reviewing our CCTV systems to ensure it effectively meets the needs of residents and helps us to drive down crime and disorder in Waltham Forest."

The woman's attacker is described as an Asian man, aged between 20 and 25, wearing a shiny black jacket, blue jeans and dark trainers.

Anyone with information about the attack at around 3pm on Wednesday, May 6, should call 8345 3276 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111