People living just yards from the scene of a shocking rape in Mitcham last month have criticised police for doing nothing to reassure their shaken community.

Several have complained of an alarming lack of communication while others living opposite the site of the attack say they have not even been told a sexual attack took place.

The victim was raped after being pulled into a blocked-off pathway between Grove Road and Mitcham Common just after 9pm on Sunday, August 23.

No yellow witness boards were put up in the area - although this is now standard practice by Metropolitan Police in a bid to reduce the fear of crime.

But after being contacted by this paper police said patrols had been stepped up in the neighbourhood and the nature of the crime suggests that the public are not at an increased risk.

A police source revealed the victim and her attacker are believed to have met each other and been drinking on the common shortly before the attack.

Grove Road resident, Sheila Billinghurst, 72, said: “The truth is no one around here really knows exactly what happened. It’s just frightening that something like this should happen on your door step and you don’t know about it.

“There’s been nothing in the way of reassurance from police and the only thing I know about it is from what I’ve had to find out. I’ve certainly not seen any more a presence in the area since it happened.”

A 22-year-old woman who lives yards from the rape scene said: "I walk past the forest area everyday and it is scary. No one can see you there and if you scream no one will hear you."

Her brother-in-law, 30, added: "It is a real worry. Police knocked on the night of the attack but they haven't done anything since.

I never see any patrols around here. They patrol other roads but not here."

Chief Superintendent Chris Bourlet, borough commander of Merton police said there have been increased patrols in Grove Road since the attack.

But he added the circumstances of the incident, while extremely serious, do not suggest the public is at additional risk and police are not looking for a predatory or serial offender.

He said: “I will make sure the safer neighbourhood team is aware of resident’s concerns and continues to provide reassurance for the people who ask for it. It’s also important to know that they can contact their safer neighbourhoods tam at any time.”

The man identified in a police e-fit is described as having a large build, is white, and aged between 19 and 31. He has light coloured hair and spoke with an accent, possibly Polish.

Anyone with information should call Detective Constable Claire Hastings on 020 8649 3105 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Figges Marsh safer neighbourhoods team can be contacted on 020 8649 3603.