Teenager dragged into woods and raped in 'horrific attack'

'This was a horrific attack on a vulnerable young girl who was forced by this man into a secluded area and raped'

A man blocked the girl's path and forced her into the woods near Tooting Bec Common, South London (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

A 13-year-old girl was raped in a "horrific attack" while walking home through a park.

The teenager was walking along West Drive, Wandsworth, south London, at around 7pm on Thursday.

A man blocked her path and forced her into the woods near Tooting Bec Common.

The attacker was described as white, aged approximately 20 with a slim build around 6ft tall, dark eyes and cleanly shaven.

He wore a tracksuit top and bottoms with three white strips down the sides, black trainers and a black woolly hat with gloves.

Detective Inspector Keith Ward, Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "This was a horrific attack on a vulnerable young girl who was forced by this man into a secluded area and raped.

"The victim was able to provide a very good description of her attacker and we are keen to catch him before he has the opportunity to strike again.

"Additional patrols will be taking place in the area where the incident occurred this is to provide reassurance and ongoing support is being provided to the victim by specially-trained officers."

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command on 0208 721 4106 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.