A woman is urging residents to "be careful" after she described being grabbed by a man in a "Mickey Mouse Covid mask" on Mitcham Common on Sunday (June 20).

The 21-year-old was walking her dog when the suspect allegedly approached her and offered to pay her for sex at around 4pm.

In a later appeal to residents, the victim said: "Just had a nasty encounter with this scum, walked up to me whilst I had the dog off the lead and tried to get me in the bushes.

He kept saying he’d give me money for sex and then grabbed hold of my arm and tried to pull me towards the bushes.

"I then saw a old couple who was walking with a young lady who was clearly very upset and stressed she had also been attacked but didn’t want to talk to police.

Your Local Guardian:

"He went towards Commonside East /Mitcham town area.

"He had a strong African accent and a Mickey Mouse Covid mask on, 5ft 5 roughly, wearing sliders.

"Please be careful ladies."

Police are now investigating the incident and have asked eyewitnesses to come forward in an appeal.

A spokesperson for Met Police told the Wimbledon Times: "Police received a report of assault shortly after 16.00hrs on Sunday, 20 June.

"It was reported a 21-year-old woman had her arm grabbed by a man in Mitcham Common.

"There have been no arrests."

Any witnesses are asked to call the police on 101, quoting CAD 4729/20Jun.