Detectives are trying to trace a woman who spoke to a teenage girl minutes after the girl was raped.

The girl was attacked as she left a block of flats in Joyce Avenue, Edmonton, at around 8.55pm on Sunday, March 6.

The teenager fled to Fore Street, where police were called.

As she sat at a bus stop waiting for officers, the girl was comforted by a woman who police say identified herself to the girl as ‘Sandra’.

Sandra left on a 149 bus heading towards London Bridge and detectives have been unable to trace her since.

They believe she holds “crucial” evidence to their investigation, which has seen a 29-year-old man from Haringey charged with one count of rape and sexual activity with a child.

Detective Constable Rebecca Mussington, from the local policing team in Enfield, said: “This woman spoke to and comforted the young girl and we really need to speak to her.

“She may not realise it, but her evidence could be crucial. This is a very serious allegation of sexual crime against a young girl and I would appeal to this lady, or anyone else who has any information to come forward and tell us what you know.

“You can always call Crimestoppers if you do not want to give your name, but however you want to do it, please call.”

‘Sandra’ is described as female, black, and of medium build.

She was wearing a black coat, long red skirt or dress, and carrying a plastic bag.

If you are Sandra, know who Sandra may be, or have any information that could help with the police investigation, call 101 quoting CAD6590/06Mar or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/