Police are hunting a man after a 13-year-old girl was raped on a bank of the Thames in south west London - after agreeing to meet her attacker.
Scotland Yard said officers were appealing for help tracing a man in his late teens or early 20s following the incident on a green area near Barge Walk in Kingston-upon-Thames at around 10.45pm on May 17.
The girl did not need hospital treatment after the attack but was taken to a Haven sexual assault referral centre, police said.
She is said to have met the suspect in Camden 24 hours previously, when they arranged to meet again the next day.
Police described the suspect as an Asian man wearing blue jeans and dark leather jacket as they launched their appeal for possible witnesses to come forward.
Officers are particularly keen to trace a young couple the victim recalls passing shortly after the incident.
A spokesman said: "The couple were walking in the opposite direction, towards Hampton Court. The woman, who checked on the girl's welfare, is described as around 25-years-old with fair skin, a blonde bob and wearing a denim jacket."
DC Pete Condron of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, added:
"I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious or has information to contact us immediately.
"In particular, I would appeal to the couple who approached the victim to call us. They may hold vital information about what happened."
Police have upped patrols in the area to reassure the community.
Anyone with information is urged to call the police incident room on 020 8721 4251 or via 101. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
