Police have released an e-fit image of a man they want to speak to following an attempted rape in Ealing's Walpole Park earlier this year.

The incident took place at around 6.30pm on Tuesday, 13 January, when a woman in her 20s was approached by a man in the park.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the man pushed the woman to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim was able to fight him off before the suspect fled the scene.

The woman reported the incident to police the same day and continues to receive support from specially-trained officers.

Detectives investigating the attack have now issued an e-fit of a man they would like to identify and trace.

The suspect is described as being of slim to average build, with thick dark brown hair. He was wearing a black puffer jacket, grey trousers and black shoes with white soles at the time of the incident. Police believe he appeared to be of Middle Eastern heritage.

Detective Constable Grace Doolan, who is leading the investigation, praised the victim's bravery and appealed for the public's help.

She said: "The victim in this case was subjected to a truly shocking assault. She has shown real bravery in reporting this to police and is being supported by specialist officers.

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"The description she provided has allowed us to put together an e-fit of a man we would like to speak to.

"She also told officers she had managed to scratch the suspect's face when attempting to escape – something which may have left a noticeable mark."

DC Doolan added that officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and hope the release of the e-fit will generate new information.

She said: "We understand the alarm arising from cases like this. We have explored various lines of enquiry and are now releasing this e-fit in the hope that someone may recognise this man.

"We also believe there may have been people who saw or heard something happening in the park without realising what was taking place. We would ask anyone who remembers being in the area at the time, and who might have information, to come forward and speak to us."

Anyone who recognises the man in the e-fit, or who has information that could assist the investigation, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 6428/13JAN.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers.