A man has been arrested after an elderly woman was raped shortly after getting off a bus in Balham.

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses after the 81-year-old was attacked near Balham High Road.

Police were called to the busy street on the evening of Friday, February 10 following reports of a rape.

The woman had just got off a number 155 bus in Balham High Road at 8.30pm, officers said.

She was followed by a man and attacked in the street before being taken by force to a secluded area where she was raped.

The woman received injuries during the attack and was taken to hospital.

She was later taken to a Haven Sexual Assault Referral Centre, where she was supported by specialist officers.

A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape in Tooting on Saturday, February 11.

He was charged the following day with two counts of rape and one count of kidnap/falsely imprisoning a person with intent to comit a sexual offence.

The man will appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court today (Monday, February 12).

UPDATE: Man appears in court after 81-year-old subjected to 96 minute rape ordeal

Officers from the Met's Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Command (SOECA) continue to investigate and are appealing for information.

Detective Inspector Melissa Laremore [SOECA] said: "My team are keen to trace a male witness seen on Rinaldo Road, Balham on the evening of the incident.

"He was wearing a jacket with a distinctive American flag design on the back. I would urge him to come forward and contact police.

"In addition to this, the victim's distinctive red Marks and Spencer's jacket went missing after the attack.

"My investigators are working to trace it in and around the local area as it is of important evidential value.

"If you have any knowledge of its whereabouts, please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 020 8649 3105 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.