CCTV which could have snared a sex attacker had not been working for two years, it has emerged.

Housing management company Ascham Homes say rats gnawed through a cable sometime in 2007 and the cameras were not repaired because of a lack of funds.

A 24-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on her doorstep after being followed home to the Stocksfield Road estate in Walthamstow last month.

The woman criticised the police for not responding to a 999 call when she 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."

"It's 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.

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 CTTV cameras were not working when they were needed most.

"Rats gnawed through a cable in 2007 and unfortunately we have not had a budget to upgrade and repair it since then.

The camera in question is a static camera which provides an image of council owned property only and does not provide street scenes.

"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.