Man held over assault of pregnant woman taken to mental health facility

A man in his 50s who was arrested after a pregnant woman in Stamford Hill allegedly had a pillowcase put over her head and was repeatedly punched, has been taken to a mental health facility.

The man, admitted under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act, was detained on suspicion of grievous bodily harm at an address in Haringey, Scotland Yard said.

A 20-year-old woman, who is about 28 weeks pregnant, was treated in hospital for minor injuries following the incident at around 6.30pm last Thursday on Manor Road. The Metropolitan Police said inquiries are ongoing to establish a motive and that the incident is not believed to be linked with any other offences.

Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of the local Shomrim neighbourhood watch group, said the woman had been left “traumatised”. He said “all parties” must ensure that the safety of women and girls in the area “is put on the front burner and is assured”.

The Met said police have been conducting patrols in the Stamford Hill area. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference Cad 6517/18Mar.