Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was violently sexually assaulted in a Croydon underpass.

Police said the 19-year-old was walking through the Wellesley Road underpass on April 27 whe she was attacked.

The girl is thought to have got off of the 75 bus outside Fairfield Halls at around 10.55pm and made her way towards the bus stop on the opposite side of the road.

A man approached her from behind, punched her, grabbed her and pulled at her clothes.

She was saved by a member of the public who shouted at the man, who then ran off towards the Nestle building.

The attacker is described as a black man, aged between 20-25 years old and wearing dark clothing.

Detective Sergeant Hayley Stanesby, from Croydon CID, said: “We’re particularly keen to speak to three men who came and spoke to the victim shortly after the incident to check if she was ok.

“We believe one of these men, an elderly Asian man has also given the victim a lift home in a green car.

“Although this appears to be an isolated incident, we are keen to identify anyone who may have witnessed the incident at the earliest opportunity to help us with our investigation.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information should contact Croydon CID on 020 8649 0258 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.