A man has been charged with trying to rape and murder a 27-year-old woman in Stoke Newington.

The victim was stabbed repeatedly near the junction of Rectory Road and Evering Road in the early hours of April 9 and was rushed to hospital by medics.

Sabir Mohammed Sharif of Well Street appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on April 12 charged with attempted murder and attempted rape.

The 31-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on May 10.

A 243 bus driver is believed to have jumped out of his cab and called 999 just before 3.30am after seeing the woman lying in the road, which was taped off for days after the attack.

She was initially fighting for her life but her condition has now improved, Scotland Yard said.