A teenager has been arrested and a female 'wittness' sought after a 12-year-old girl was raped on her way to school in Leytonstone.

At 8.25 yesterday morning the schoolgirl was grabbed and dragged into a front garden by a man wearing a dark jacket zipped over his face on Worsley Road.

Investigators said the girl has been left "deeply traumatised" by the sexual assault.

The rapist is described as black, aged in his teens with a tattoo on his right hand and riding a yellow bike.

A 19-year-old man arrested on Tuesday night on suspicion of rape remains in police custody. Police are appealing for witnesses.

Had just got off a bus – Female ‘wittness’ sought

The victim had got off a bus in Leytonstone High Road and was walking along Cann Hall Road before being grabbed at the junction with Worsley Road. Her attacker started to talk to her before launching the sickening attack.

Det Insp Declan Williams said:

"This is a busy area at a busy time of day and we would appeal for anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious to please come forward.

The victim remembers seeing a woman on the opposite side of the road shortly before she was attacked - if that woman was you please contact us.

The victim, who is just 12 years old, has naturally been left deeply traumatised by what has happened."