Police have released an E-Fit of a man they wish to locate after the sexual assault and attempted rape of a girl in north London.

On Wednesday, May 10, at around 8.30am a 16-year-old girl was walking to school on Salmons Brook, Edmonton, towards the A10.

As she approached the pedestrian bridge by Streamside Close she noticed a man on the floor appealing for help.

The girl went over to assist but the man grabbed her then pushed her to the floor and ripped her shirt – he also threatened her with a knife, Scotland Yard said.

The man then ran off towards Cedars Court.

The girl returned home and police were called – she was not physically injured and is being supported by specially trained officers.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 40-50 years old, around 6ft2” tall and of solid build.

He spoke with a London accent and had no facial hair.

He was wearing a black/grey beanie hat covering his hair, a dark green tracksuit with a dark green coat over the top, black t-shirt and dark coloured woollen gloves with a worn appearance.

Det Con Darren Humphryes of the North Area Command Unit said: “I am appealing for any pedestrians who were using Salmons Brook on the morning of May 10 and witnessed any of this incident to come forward.

“This was an extremely distressing attack for this young girl to endure. We continue to support her but we need to ensure the person responsible is arrested and taken off the streets.”

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information that could assist police should call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD2221/10May.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.