Enfield Jubilee Park schoolgirl rape: Appeal renewed
Detectives investigating the rape of an 11-year-old girl in a north London park on Friday have renewed an appeal for information.
The girl is recovering in hospital after being dragged from Galliard Road into Jubilee Park, Lower Edmonton, Enfield, and assaulted.
She was on her way home from school when the attack happened.
Police described the suspect as a black male with afro hair wearing a dark grey top and black baggy jeans.
Scotland Yard said there would be more police patrolling the area's parks and schools.
The girl caught the number 192 bus home from school in Enfield town at 16:15 GMT and got off in Bury Street, Enfield, at about 17:00.
While walking along Galliard Road, she was dragged into Jubilee Park by the pitch and putt area and assaulted, in an attack police think may have lasted several hours.
The victim returned home at about 19:45 GMT and was then taken to hospital.
She has undergone surgery and is now recovering.
Det Insp Simon Ellershaw said: "This was a horrific and unusual attack of a defenceless schoolgirl making her way home via her usual route, along one of Enfield's busiest shortcuts, at the beginning of Friday afternoon rush-hour.
"She says the attack happened for some considerable time - possibly in the region of two to three hours.
"I am appealing to motorists, pedestrians and anyone who may have been using the park between 4.45pm and 8pm, who may have seen a man following a girl in school uniform, to contact us."
He added: "At present an extensive search of the park is under way and local officers are conducting house to house inquiries, and we have already been receiving helpful information from members of the public.
"Given the significant and unaccounted amount of time between the incident and the victim's arrival home, we are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen her possibly appearing confused or dishevelled following her ordeal."
Ch Insp Taylor Wilson said: "Although this is an isolated and extremely rare incident, we are treating this with the utmost seriousness.
"With immediate effect, officers have increased patrols at Jubilee Park and other parks within the borough."