The victim of an attempted rape managed to escape her attacker in Central Croydon last week, when she bit one of his hands.

The attack happened outside Groupama House on Dingwall Road, last Thursday, August 2, at 11.40pm.

The attacker approached his 39-year-old victim from behind and put his hand over her mouth, before dragging her into the foot of a stair well.

He punched her in the mouth and pulled her hair before telling to get down on the floor and not to scream.

At this point, the woman sunk her teeth into the attacker's hand and fled the stairwell.

The attacker, described as a 22-year-old white male, 5ft 7ins, of slim build, ran off towards Sydenham Road and onto Wellesley Road. He was wearing a black jacket with white jeans and may have had a bite mark on one of his hands.

Police would like to speak to any witnesses, in particular, a woman who reported hearing screams that night , but did not leave her contact details with police. Contact PC Richard McDonagh on 020 8667 1212.