DOCTOR IN RAPE ATTACK DRAMA

A LONDON casualty doctor was saved from an attempted rape by three of her patients who beat off her attacker as he kicked and punched her.

The doctor, in her late twenties, was attacked at a bus stop in the grounds of Barnet Hospital as she waited for her bus home at the end of a shift. Three people leaving casualty came to her aid after she was kicked several times. She is said to be "very shocked" and recovering from bruising but is otherwise unharmed.

Her attacker is described as white, aged 28, 5ft 8ins, of stocky build with short dark brown hair. He was clean shaven and wearing jeans with a dark brown leather jacket. He escaped by into nearby Wood Street.

The attack has led to renewed calls for improved security at the hospital where rebuilding has made staff feel unsafe. One nurse, who did not wish to be named, said: "It is frightening working here now. There should be more security guards and better lighting. Some nurses are so afraid they drive from ward to ward at night. If you start a shift in the afternoon and finish late at night there can be a long walk to get to your car, because at the moment there is nowhere to park."

The attempted rape is the latest in a string of assaults on health service workers at hospitals across London.

Doctors and nurses have been issued with rape alarm and and been offered self-defence classes as they struggle to cope with the thugs. At Barnet, one nurse reported: "A nurse was attacked after asking one patient not to smoke on the ward. Doctors, nurses and security had to help her." Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust had provided two security guards in the accident and emergency department following an assault on a male doctor. The trust also issued rape alarms to female staff

and promised to look at lighting in the grounds.

Friday's attack comes just over two months after the attack on the male doctor, also in his twenties. He suffered cuts and bruises and police are still investigating the incident.

The hospital has CCTV camera in the reception area of the new A&E building.

A spokesman for Scotland yard said officers at Colin-dale police station are appealing for witnesses to an attempted rape at Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, on 10 December.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information about it is asked to contact DC Mike Gavin at Colindale police station on 0181 733 5808.

Or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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