Police have vowed to stamp out sexual harassment in a notorious street – and are appealing for help from the public.

Officers say harassment is rife in Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, with men gathering outside cafes and taunting and hassling women on their way home from work.

But they are struggling to combat the problem because it so often goes unreported – and they need victims to come forward.

Pc Martin Evans, of the Highbury West Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT), said: “It’s happening to women on a daily basis, mainly in the evening when they are coming back from work. They even grab women by the arms and legs.

“We want to identify these people and prosecute them – but we need the public to help us.”

The police say they often hear of incidents but only weeks or months after they take place.

Ingrained

Pc Evans added: “The problem has been around for a while and it’s something ingrained in the area. It’s not getting any better – I’m sure there are thousands of women who have suffered some kind of anti-social behaviour.

“We are going to catch these people and prosecute them or get them banned from Blackstock Road with Asbos. We want to make the area safe for people.”

In July the Gazette reported how an Islington charity worker was repeatedly hassled.

Clare Simpson, 28, of Alexandra Grove, contended with men making lewd comments, hissing, blocking her way and even following her since moving to Finsbury Park a year ago. She said: “I’m pleased the police are working to resolve the problem. But it’s not just a police issue, it’s a social issue and I don’t know how we deal with that.”

Contact Highbury West SNT on 020 7421 0635 if you have been a victim of any form of antisocial behaviour in Blackstock Road.