A woman in her 40s was raped in Finsbury Park last week, police have said.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the horrific attack, which took place between 10.40pm on Wednesday and 8am on Thursday near the Seven Sisters Road gate.

The victim was walking through the park before she was attacked and raped in a secluded area.

It comes seven months after barmaid Iuliana Tudos was stabbed to death in the park on Christmas Eve. The 22-year-old’s death led to calls for improved safety in the park from her friends – and police.

The Gazette revealed in May that local officers had told Haringey Council they wanted to see the park locked at night, fences fixed and better lighting installed.

The Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are investigating the rape and returned to Finsbury Park yesterday, a week on from the attack, to renew their appeals for witnesses and information. This morning is the first time they have contacted any press outlets to run appeals about it.

Det Insp Jimi Tele is leading the investigation. He said: “This nasty attack has left the victim extremely shaken. We are determined to identify those involved and bring them to justice.

“If you were in the area at this time and saw anything suspicious, please get in touch. Your information could prove vital to building a clear picture of what took place.”

A spokeswoman for Haringey Council said: “We would encourage anyone with information that may help with this investigation to contact the police as soon as possible.

“We will help the police in any way we can as they hunt for those responsible.”

Anyone with any information can contact police on 101 quoting reference cad1802/july11 or tweet @MetCC. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.