Police investigating the rape of a woman in a Croydon underpass are hunting a man with bright blond hair.

The victim, a woman in her 40s, had walked past shops and into the underpass in Southbridge Lane, which passes under Croydon flyover, at around 10.40am on Wednesday, April 19.

She was pushed to the floor before being assaulted.

The attacker then ran off in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as white, 6ft tall, aged between 20 and 30 years, with very bright blond hair. He spoke with an eastern European accent and had blue eyes.

He was wearing a black tracksuit with a hood, black gloves and had put a bandana across his face

Detective Sergeant Simon Sherlock, of the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "This was a terrifying attack and we need the public's help.

"The attacker's appearance is distinctive, particularly his very blond hair.

"If he was hanging around the area prior to the attack there is a good chance someone saw him.

“I would ask anyone who has any information to contact police immediately. This man is clearly a danger to women and must be caught."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information can call the investigation team on 07825 060255, or contact police via 101 or by Twitter @MetCC

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org

There have been no arrests at this stage and enquiries continue.