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Urgent police appeal for man with 'devil gremlin' tattoo after teenager violently raped

Two photos issued by the Met to trace William Trotter. (Met Police)
Two photos issued by the Met to trace William Trotter. (Met Police)

Police investigating the violent rape of a teenager in south-east London have issued an urgent appeal to speak to a man in connection with their enquiries.

Detectives want to find William Trotter, 39, who is believed to have links to Bromley, Lewisham and Lambeth in London, as well as strong links to Glasgow.

Officers were called to Turpington Lane in Bromley at 12.39am on Friday, 20 March, to reports of a man restraining and assaulting a woman.

They found a distressed woman, in her late teens, who said she had been dragged into the bushes by an unknown man and raped.

She was taken to hospital with a head injury and suffered two black eyes in the attack. She is being supported by officers.

William Trotter, who police urgently want to trace. (Met Police)
William Trotter, who police urgently want to trace. (Met Police)
A photo of Trotter released by officers. (Met Police)
A photo of Trotter released by officers. (Met Police)

Trotter is described as 5ft 6in with a shaved head, green eyes and one of his upper teeth is said to be missing.

He has a tattoo of what police described as a “devil gremlin” on his right arm, with the name “Rhys” written above it and “Daniel” written below.

He was last seen wearing a dark blue jacket, dark trousers, a pink face mask and we was holding a blue carrier bag.

Detective Chief Inspector Dan O’Sullivan of the Met Police said anyone who sees Trotter should call 999 instead of approaching him.

An image of Trotter released as the police aim to trace him. (Met Police)
An image of Trotter released as the police aim to trace him. (Met Police)

“This is an inquiry into the violent rape of a young woman and I would ask anyone with any information to search their conscience and do the right thing by calling police,” he added.

“If you do not want to give your name you can call Crimestoppers, who will not ask for your details, but however you want to do it, call and tell us what you know.

“In the meantime we are asking women who are walking alone to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious to police – always call 999 in an emergency.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or through Twitter by messaging the @MetCC account, quoting reference CAD 181/20MAR.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.