DETECTIVES are appealing for help from the public after a woman was raped in broad daylight yesterday afternoon.

Police say the 29-year-old was attacked while sunbathing in a meadow just off High View Road in South Woodford, north of Snaresbrook Crown Court, at 2.50pm on Wednesday, May 19.

Her attacker, who is thought to have been loitering around the area on a dark-coloured mountain bike about 30 minutes before the attack, approached the woman from behind and held his hand over her mouth.

He then threatened to stab her, before raping her.

Following the attack, the man made off on his bike along the alley running alongside Forest Girls' School, heading towards Oakhurst Gardens.

The victim got help from a member of the public in High View Road and police were called.

The suspect is said to be in his late teens, slim, black, of medium build with short black hair, wearing a green T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and carrying a small shoulder bag. He spoke with a local accent.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Sapphire Unit are investigating. So far no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3562, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.