A man who dragged a woman into a bush in a park and sexually assaulted her in an “abhorrent attack” in broad daylight has been convicted of rape.

Motuir Rahman, 25, attacked the 19-year-old woman as she walked through Roding Valley Park in Redbridge at 9.15am on Wednesday, February 7.

Rahman, who is homeless, approached his victim and told her he was carrying drugs and knew that police were nearby.

After demanding she walk with him and, if asked, pretend to be his sister so as not to arouse any suspicion, the woman refused.

Rahman then grabbed her by the neck and forced her to walk alongside him before forcing her into a bush where she was seriously sexually assaulted.

He also stole her mobile phone to prevent her from calling the police before fleeing the bushes.

After waiting for a few minutes, the woman fled the scene but was spotted by Rahman who forced her back into the same area and again seriously sexually assaulted her.

After he had left, the victim was then able to escape and alert members of the public, who called police.

Officers from East Area Safeguarding Team launched an immediate investigation and identified Motiur Rahman after forensic examinations linked him to the crime.

He was arrested on February 12 in Stratford and charged the following day.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Sergeant Vince Fedder, said: "This was an abhorrent attack on a woman who was out in broad daylight.

“She had every right to pass through the area without something so awful happening to her.

“Her bravery throughout this ordeal has been commendable; I would like to thank her for supporting the investigation which has secured this conviction.

“Rahman’s actions that day are remarkable in their cowardice; I hope he will receive a substantial sentence to allow him plenty of time to think about what he has done.”

Rahman pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, July 2, to one count of rape, two counts of attempted rape, four counts of assault by penetration and one count of theft.

He will be sentenced on Friday, July 27.