A man appeared in court on February 13 after an 81-year-old woman was subjected to a 96 minute kidnap and rape.

Anthony Roberts is accused of two counts of rape and one count of kidnap.

See related: Arrest after 81-year-old woman kidnapped and raped near Balham High Road

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following the attack, which occurred near Balham High Road at around 8.30pm on Friday February 10.

The elderly woman was followed by a man after she got off a number 155 bus and was taken by force to a secluded area where she was raped.

In court, Prosecutor Robin Simpson reported the whole incident lasted 96 minutes.

Roberts was arrested on suspicion of rape in Tooting on Saturday February 11 and was charged the next day.

Officers from the Met’s Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Command (SOECA) are investigating and trying to find a witness.

Detective Inspector Melissa Laremore [SOECA] said: "My team are keen to trace a male witness seen on Rinaldo Road, Balham on the evening of the incident.

"He was wearing a jacket with a distinctive American flag design on the back. I would urge him to come forward and contact police.

"In addition to this, the victim's distinctive red Marks and Spencer's jacket went missing after the attack.

"My investigators are working to trace it in and around the local area as it is of important evidential value.

"If you have any knowledge of its whereabouts, please get in touch."

Roberts has been remanded in custody until March 10 ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Kingston Crown Court.