Police name man they are seeking in connection with alleged rape of teenager in Mitcham as Kadian Nelson

A man has been named by police hunting the alleged rapist of a schoolgirl  in south west London.

Officers took the unusual step of identifying Kadian Nelson, 26, from Mitcham “for his own safety.”

Detectives urged members of the public not to “take the law into your own hands” as vigilantes tonight took to the area searching for Nelson.

CCTV shows the teenager – believed to be on her way to school – being followed down the street by a hooded man.

The victim told police she was attacked in North Place, Mitcham at around 7am.

Mobile footage reportedly of the suspect walking away were posted online.

In one, the alleged victim is rescued by one of two women passers-by who intervenes asking if she knows the man. She is heard crying to the female: “Thank you, thank you.”

Detective Superintendent Owain Richards said: “Police have been conducting extensive enquiries today to locate Kadian Nelson after an allegation of rape.

“I am appealing directly to Kadian to attend his nearest police station immediately, or to call police and inform us as to his whereabouts. This is for his safety, as well as members of the public.

“I recognise that this is a shocking and distressing incident and emotions locally are running very high. We are of course aware of videos and images circulating on social media, and of groups of people attending various addresses.

“I urge those people to go home. Do not try to take the law into your own hands or you may end up doing something you regret and potentially face police action yourself.

“You must allow us to do our jobs. It is imperative that we follow the right processes as we investigate this incident as any interference could potentially affect proceedings further down the line.

“A Section 60 Order has been authorised for the entirety of the Borough of Merton and Wandsworth, granting police additional stop and search powers, as a result of fears of serious violence.”

The Met said at this early stage, there have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing. Local officers are carrying out increased patrols in the area.

Mitcham and Morden Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh tweeted: My heart goes out to the young girl abducted in Mitcham on her way to school this morning. My thanks for the extraordinary bravery of a lady who followed and filmed them.”

Vauxhall Labour MP Florence Eshalomi added: “Please protect girls and young women. Do not walk by if you notice something suspicious – thank God for the quick actions of the two women who intervened.”

Detective Inspector Laura Semple, of the South West Command Unit, said: “The victim and her family are receiving support from specially trained officers.

“We have released an image of a man we would like to speak to and urge anyone who can help us trace him to contact police immediately.”

People were asked to be mindful of sharing information via social media that could identify the alleged victim or affect any potential future proceedings.

Any witnesses or those who have information that could assist police is asked to call 101 ref CAD 1063/3 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.