An urgent investigation has been launched after a woman was raped in a “horrific ordeal”.

Police were called at around 8.15pm yesterday (May 19) to a report that a woman had been raped in Warren Avenue Playing Fields, Bromley.

Officers attended along with ambulance workers.

The woman has been taken to a refuge and is being supported by specialist officers.

Cordons are in place and police remain in the area.

The suspect is described as a black man with short hair, possibly aged 35 to 40, around 5ft 10ins and slim.

He had what was described as “an unkempt dry and scraggly black beard, patchy on one side”.

He was wearing a dark coloured long-sleeved shirt.

“The victim suffered a horrific ordeal and she will be given our full support...”

DCI Stuart Hart of the Met’s South Area BCU said: “The suspect approached the woman, who did not recognise him, but he made comments suggesting that she should know him.

“She was sexually assaulted and raped before the man made-off on foot.

“The victim suffered a horrific ordeal and she will be given our full support.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is absolutely a top priority for the Met, and I can assure her that dedicated officers are doing all they can to identify the man responsible for this attack.

“If you may know the identity of this man, or have information about somebody in the local area matching that description, please do not hesitate to call police.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call 101, ref 4458/20may.

To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.