Residents' response to a woman's cries for help may have saved her from a more horrific attack in Surbiton earlier this month.
The 19-year-old victim, on her way home from Surbiton station, was indecently assaulted in Burney Avenue at 11.30pm on Thursday, May 11.
A man attacked her from behind, pulled her to the ground and indecently assaulted her. He threw her phone out of reach, but her screams alerted residents who quickly came to her aid.
Her attacker fled the scene when he realised help was on the way.
Police said they were treating the attack as an isolated incident, but have upped patrols in the area in case the man strikes again. A police spokeswoman said: "Police would like people to be aware of this crime and if people know anything we would ask them to come forward.
"Local police have increased patrols to the area and would also like to hear from anyone who can assist."
The attacker was Asian, about 20, with dark hair and dark clothing and carried a rucksack.
Anyone with information call Detective Constable Julia Balfour in Kingston's Sapphire unit on 020 8721 5903.
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