A YOUNG woman was raped while walking near a park in The Ridgeway last Sunday.

She was attacked between 4pm and 7pm in West Harrow Park while walking alone close to the tennis courts.

A man approached her and assaulted her, before running away in an unknown direction.

Officers from the Sapphire Unit, based at Barnet, are investigating. They will be distributing appeal leaflets today and throughout the weekend.

House-to-house inquiries will also be conducted within the vicinity.

Areas within the park remain cordoned off while officers conduct a forensic search.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room at Barnet on 020 8733 5033 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.