E-fit Released After Attempted Rape in Ealing 2026

Key Points

• The Metropolitan Police released an e-fit image of a man following an attempted rape of a woman in Walpole Park, Ealing, in west London
• The incident occurred at approximately 6:30pm on Tuesday, 13 January, when a woman in her 20s was approached by a man in the park
• The suspect pushed the victim to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her, but she successfully fought him off
• The suspect is described as having a skinny to average build, thick dark-brown hair, and appeared to be of Middle Eastern heritage
• On the day of the attack, the man wore a black puffer jacket, grey trousers, and black shoes with white soles
• The victim managed to scratch the suspect’s face during her escape, which police say may have left a noticeable mark or injury
• The victim reported the incident on the same day and is being supported by specially-trained specialist officers
• Detective Constable Grace Doolan is leading the investigation and described the assault as “truly shocking”
• Police believe there may have been witnesses who saw or heard something in the park without realising what was taking place
• Anyone recognising the man in the e-fit should call 101 quoting reference 6428/13JAN, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Ealing (West London News) June 13, 2026 – The Metropolitan Police have released an e-fit of a man following an attempted rape of a woman in a park in west London, marking a significant public safety appeal in the Ealing area. The incident occurred at around 6:30pm on Tuesday, 13 January, when a woman in her 20s was approached by a man in Walpole Park, Ealing. The man pushed her to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her before she was able to fight him off successfully.

Who Is the Suspect Described in the Walpole Park Attempted Rape Case?

The suspect has been described as being of skinny to average build, with thick, dark-brown hair, and appeared to be of Middle Eastern heritage according to police reports. On the day of the attack, he was wearing a black puffer jacket, grey trousers and black shoes with white soles, which provides crucial identification details for potential witnesses. The victim managed to scratch the suspect’s face during her escape, which police say may have left a noticeable mark that could help identify him.

What Did Detective Constable Grace Doolan Say About the Assault?

As reported by Detective Constable Grace Doolan of the Metropolitan Police, who is leading the investigation,

“The victim in this case was subjected to a truly shocking assault. She has shown real bravery in reporting this to police, and is being supported by specialist officers”.

Detective Constable Doolan further stated,

“We understand the alarm arising from cases like this. We have explored various lines of enquiry, and are now releasing this e-fit in the hope that someone may recognise this man”.

Why Did Police Release the E-Fit Now After the January Attack?

According to Detective Constable Grace Doolan of the Metropolitan Police,

“We also believe there may have been people who saw or heard something happening in the park without realising what was taking place. We would ask anyone who remembers being in the area at the time, and who might have information, to come forward and speak to us”.

The police have explored various lines of enquiry over the months since the January attack before releasing the e-fit in June 2026.

How Did the Victim Fight Off the Attempted Rapist in Walpole Park?

As reported by the Metropolitan Police, the woman in her 20s was pushed to the ground by the man who attempted to sexually assault her, but she was able to fight him off before he could complete the attack. The victim told officers she scratched the suspect’s face while fighting him off, which may have left a noticeable mark or injury that could assist in his identification. She reported the incident on the same day, and is being supported by specially-trained officers throughout the investigation.

What Should People Do If They Recognise the Man in the E-Fit?

Police have urged anyone who recognises the person in the e-fit to call 101, quoting reference 6428/13JAN, according to the Metropolitan Police’s public appeal. Anyone with information can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if they prefer not to speak directly to police. The Metropolitan Police emphasised that even small pieces of information from people who were in the area at the time could significantly assist the investigation.

Where Is Walpole Park Located in Ealing and What Is Its History?

Walpole Park is located at the edge of Ealing Broadway behind Pitzhanger Manor House in west London, serving as a key recreational area in the borough. The park offers green space for relaxation, recreation, and outdoor lunches for local residents and visitors. The park’s address is Mattock Lane, Ealing, London, W5 5EQ, with tube access via Ealing Broadway station. The park features impressive and tranquil grounds that belonged to the architect Sir John Soane in the early nineteenth century.

What Safety Initiatives Has Ealing Police Conducted in Walpole Park?

As reported by Ealing Police through its Ealing Safer Neighbourhoods Team, the force organised an evening run and walk in Walpole Park on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, to raise awareness of the Met’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) initiative. Police officers, including some of its most senior team, were on hand to talk to women and girls across Ealing and explain what the borough force is doing to tackle local issues. The Metropolitan Police held a first Dusk Run in Walpole Park in a bid to tackle violence against women and girls, with police welcoming suggestions on safety measures from participants.

How Has the Community Responded to Safety Concerns in West Ealing?

According to residents discussing safety on Reddit, West Ealing is generally safe, but people recommend avoiding all London parks at night as a precaution. One resident noted,

“Just be mindful when you’re out late on the main street. The side streets are perfectly fine,”

while emphasising that overall the area remains significantly safer than many parts of London. Another resident advised,

“While trouble can be found if you seek it out, overall, it is a safe area. Just stay alert during the evening hours, and you’ll be alright”.

What Reference Number Should Be Used When Reporting Information About This Case?

Police have specified that anyone contacting them about the e-fit should quote reference 6428/13JAN when calling 101, according to the Metropolitan Police’s official appeal. This reference number connects all reports to the specific investigation into the attempted rape that occurred on 13 January. The reference number format includes “6428” as the case code and “13JAN” indicating the date of the incident.

Background of the Walpole Park Attempted Rape Development

The attempted rape incident in Walpole Park represents one of several sexual assault cases that have occurred in London parks, prompting ongoing police vigilance and public safety initiatives. This case occurred during evening hours when park visibility decreases, a factor that has been associated with similar incidents across London. The Metropolitan Police’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) initiative, which includes community engagement events like the Dusk Run in Walpole Park, demonstrates the force’s proactive approach to addressing such crimes. The investigation has been ongoing for approximately five months since the January 13 incident, with police exploring various lines of enquiry before releasing the e-fit in June 2026. Detective Constable Grace Doolan’s leadership of this investigation reflects the Met’s commitment to specialist handling of sexual assault cases, with the victim receiving support from specially-trained officers throughout the process. The park itself, with its historical significance as grounds belonging to architect Sir John Soane in the early nineteenth century, continues to serve as a recreational space for Ealing residents despite this incident.

Prediction: How This E-Fit Release Will Affect Women and Girls in Ealing

This development will likely affect women and girls in Ealing in several important ways. The release of the e-fit may increase short-term concern among female residents about safety in Walpole Park, particularly during evening hours when the attack occurred at 6:30pm. However, the police action also demonstrates active investigation and commitment to protecting women, which could provide reassurance that authorities are responding seriously to sexual assault concerns.

Women and girls in Ealing may become more vigilant when visiting parks after dark, potentially following the advice already shared by local residents to avoid London parks at night as a precaution. The ongoing VAWG initiative, including community engagement events like the Dusk Run, may see increased participation as women seek information about safety resources and support available to them.

The possibility that the suspect may have a noticeable facial mark from the victim’s scratch could lead to increased public identification, potentially resulting in his arrest and removal from the community, which would directly improve safety for women in Ealing. If the e-fit leads to identification, this could also encourage other victims of similar crimes to report incidents, knowing that police are actively pursuing suspects.

The incident may influence local authorities to consider additional safety measures in Walpole Park, such as improved lighting or increased police presence during evening hours, responding to suggestions from community participants who attended the Dusk Run event. Women and girls who use the park for recreation, relaxation, and outdoor activities may temporarily alter their routines, potentially reducing their use of the park until the suspect is identified.