In case anyone here uses the Parkland Walk, be aware of this.
Parkland walk attacks
A 40-year-old Highgate woman has warned against women using the Parkland Walk, after becoming the sixth victim of a violent robbery there in the past five weeks.
The victim, who did not want to be named, decided to speak out today (July 4) in the hope that it may prevent another woman from being attacked.
She was walking along the Parkland Walk near Crouch Hill bridge at 1.45pm on Thursday June 26, when she and a friend were robbed.
She told the Ham&High: “This man is threatening, menacing, violent and determined to get what he wants. I was walking with a friend, in broad daylight, but he was not deterred.
“If he attacks you there is no one to help you because it’s secluded. I know the police are investigating, but I think women in our community need to be aware that there is a violent robber at large.”
The woman said that since her attack she had returned to the Parkland Walk and was alarmed to see up to 15 women, walking with pushchairs and handbags - who did not seem to know about the recent spate of attacks.
The first incident is alleged to have happened on Saturday, May 31 at 3.40pm, when two women in their 60s were attacked. The pensioners were walking along the bridge over Stapleton Hall Road, Stroud Green, when they were grabbed and pulled into the undergrowth.
The man stole the women’s purses and cash and caused minor injuries to both victims in the incident. He reportedly fled in the direction of Finsbury Park.
Seven days later, on Saturday June 7 at 7.45pm, two females in their 40s were walking between Mount Pleasant Crescent and Ferme Park Road in Stroud Green, when they were grabbed by a male, who demanded money.
He struggled with one of the victims, causing her to fall and hit her head. It is believed he also fled in the direction of Finsbury Park.
Police believe the attacks could be linked and have renewed an appeal for the public’s help in catching the suspect.
Sgt Skinner, from The Q Cars in Haringey said: “There is no reason for people to be overly alarmed, but we are asking for people to be alert when using the Parkland Walk. Anyone with any information or who may have seen a suspicious character is asked to contact the Robbery Squad crimestoppers anonymously.
“In the mean time residents should be reassured to know we are doing everything we can to find the male responsible for these incidents. Police officers have been conducting daily patrols, high visibility and plain clothes on foot and on bikes, with assistance from the Air Support Unit and The Parks Constabulary
The suspect has been described as possibly being “bare-chested and holding a top”.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Sean Carre-Brown from Haringey Robbery Squad on 0208-345 0855 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.