A sex attacker clamped his hand over a woman’s mouth and assaulted her while she was out in Dalston.

Scotland Yard today released a picture of a man they believe has information about the attack, which happened in Kingsland High Street on August 15.

The victim, in her 30s, and her friend were walking to a taxi rank when the man approached them and began “behaving aggressively”, police said. He was black and slim with slicked-back hair and was wearing a red jacket and red trousers,

He was persuaded to leave them alone by a second man, but five minutes later he walked up to them again and backed his victim against a wall before lifting up her skirt and sexually assaulting her.

The victim’s friend said she was phoning the police and the men ran off.

Police said the attacker was in his late 20s or early 30s.

Anyone who recognises the man in the picture is asked to call Det Const Jo Dell on 020 8733 5999 or 07717 421910, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.