BUSINESS owners have been left stunned after a woman was dragged into a garden and raped in what they thought was a "safe" community.

The woman in her 20s was walking along Long Lane, when she was attacked in the early hours of Saturday morning and is now being cared for by specialist officers.

Kam Rahman has lived in Finchley with his family for over 40 years, and said he was "surprised" to hear what had happened.

Mr Rahman, who has owned the Slate Café in Ballards Lane since January, said: “I know this area very well, and the last I heard about something like this was about five or six years ago, but I had no idea this happened until today.

“My customers told me about the house fire in Finchley back in April, but I had not heard anything about this. Most of my customers are female with young children, this is a close community.

"I’m sure they will be concerned about this, because generally people say it is a safe area.

“My children attend a local school, and they always keep us alerted if something happens there, but I have never thought to be concerned about this, because I think of Finchley as a safe place.”

Sonata Sapezinskiene, owner of Tailor’s Corner in Ballards Lane, next to Long Lane, said: “It is terrible news. I have been here for eight years, and haven’t heard of anything like this.

“I saw a police car on Saturday, but didn’t know what it was here for. I haven’t walked here alone at night, but I think you do have to look around to see what is around you, if you are alone.”

Police are still looking for the suspect, who is described as being mixed-race, around 30-years-old, of stocky build, with short dark hair.

He was described as wearing dark trousers and a red t-shirt.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting 2413690/16 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.