A woman in her late 50s was raped at knifepoint after stopping to help a man who asked her for some spare change.
The “horrific” attack happened after the woman was approached by a man while walking in Wontner Close, Islington, around 11.30pm on Thursday.
After the woman gave the man the money she had, police said she was grabbed by the shoulder and pushed into Heddington Close. The man then threatened her with a knife and raped her.
Police said the attacker then took valuables from the woman’s handbag and walked off towards Popham Road. The attack took place between 11.30pm Thursday and 12.20am on Friday.
No arrests have been made and police are appealing for information.
The suspect is described as a “dark-skinned black man, between 5ft 4in to 5ft 6ins of medium build wearing dark clothing - either black or dark blue”.
He is believed to be aged between 30 and 40.
Detective Constable Sarah Hunter from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command said: “This was a horrific attack on a woman who had stopped to help a stranger when he asked her for some change.
“Were you in the area at the time of attack? Did you see anything suspicious?
“My team are keen to hear from anyone who has information that can assist the investigation. This was a callous attack which has left the victim very traumatised.”
Anyone with information should contact the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command on 0208 733 5999 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.