Man arrested after pregnant woman repeatedly punched in north London

22 March 2021, 23:42 | Updated: 23 March 2021, 09:16

A man in his late 50s has been arrested after a pregnant woman was left "traumatised" by being repeatedly punched and having a pillowcase put over her head in north London.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) at an address in Haringey and is now in custody at an east London police station, Scotland Yard said.

The force said the 20-year-old victim, a 28-week pregnant Jewish woman, was taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries following the assault at about 6.30pm last Thursday.

CCTV footage of the attack appeared to show a man carrying a shopping trolley bag approach the woman from behind in Stamford Hill.

He can be seen putting a pillowcase over her head before repeatedly punching her, then running away.

The Metropolitan Police said inquiries are ongoing to establish a motive and that at the moment the incident is not believed to be linked with any other offences.

Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of the Shomrim neighbourhood watch group in Stamford Hill, said the woman has been left "traumatised" by the incident.

The rabbi said "all parties" must ensure the safety of women and girls in the area "is put on the front burner and is assured".

Earlier, the Met said detectives were investigating the assault in Manor Road, Stamford Hill.

The force said: "The victim, a 20-year-old woman, informed officers that she had been approached from behind by the suspect, who put a pillowcase over her head before assaulting her.

"The woman was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

"Officers are carrying out a number of inquiries and are reviewing CCTV cameras in the local area.

"There have been no arrests and inquiries continue."

Shadow justice secretary David Lammy condemned the attack, writing on Twitter: "This hateful attack on a pregnant Jewish woman in Stamford Hill is absolutely gruesome.

"As a society, we have to do so much more to tackle anti-Semitism as well as violence against women."

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said: "We are extremely disturbed by the vile attack on a pregnant Jewish woman in Stamford Hill.

"We hope that the perpetrator is swiftly caught and faces justice."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference Cad 6517/18Mar.