A GRANDMOTHER was brutally raped in what police believe was a racially motivated attack in Edmonton.

The 64-year-old, who is white, was raped twice after she walked to work along Langhedge Lane shortly after 5am on Sunday.

Police believe her attacker, a man in his 20s, possibly of eastern European or Asian origin, will strike again.

DCI Richard Player, leading Enfield's Operation Sapphire, investigating sex crime, said: "It is vital we apprehend this man before any other woman is put through such an ordeal."

The woman's attacker, who spoke in broken English, approached her from behind, pushed her to the ground, grabbed her around the neck and raped her.

She managed to escape into a nearby alleyway, running on to a bridge at the junction of Gloucester Road and Wilbury Way, but he caught up with her and raped her again.

She eventually escaped and raised the alarm.

DCI Player added: "This was a brutal attack on a grandmother as she walked to work in the morning.

"Her ordeal lasted for more than an hour and left her in considerable shock. Due to the language used by the suspect during the attack, we are treating this incident as racially motivated.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area on Sunday and may have seen anyone acting suspiciously around the time of the attack to contact us.

"We are also appealing for anyone who may recognise the man to come forward and assist our investigation."

Police are searching for a slim man, around 6ft tall, with dark hair, growth on his chin and thin facial features.

He was scruffy and wore long johns under his trousers.

Anyone with information should contact the Sapphire Unit at Winchmore Hill Police Station on 8345 4604 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.