Detectives have released an e-fit image of a man who allegedly attempted to rape a woman before she bit him and screamed for help.

The incident happened in Upper Clapton at around 5am on Sunday March 30 as the victim was making her way home after a night out.

As she walked past the junction of Upper Clapton Road with Casenove Road, she heard a man running behind her.

He then grabbed her and placed his hand over her mouth to stop her screaming.

He forced her along the road and into a secluded driveway opposite the New Springfield Hotel, pressing down on her mouth as he pushed her to the ground.

But the victim bit his hand and managed to scream for help as he tried to push up her dress.

A local resident who heard the victim shouted out, and the suspect got up from the ground and fled the scene back in the direction of Cazenove Road.

Investigating officer Det Const Neil Hume, from the sexual offence, exploitation and child abuse command, said: “The victim was terrified during this shocking attack and genuinely believed she was about to be raped.

“I have no doubt if the suspect had not been disturbed that is what he would have done.”

The suspect is described as white with short blond hair and a broad face.

He was in his mid-late 20s and between 5ft 7ins to 5ft 10ins tall, and was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a grey and blue hooded top.

Officers who have examined CCTV from the area that night believe he may have followed another woman 20 minutes earlier, at around 4.40am in Reighton Road, near the junction with Northworld Road.

It not clear whether she spoke to him or if there was some kind of altercation but police are appealing for her to come forward.

She has long dark hair and was wearing a white scarf.

Anyone with information is asked to call officers on 0208 733 6545 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.