Man Who Repeatedly Punched Pregnant Woman Arrested After Footage Goes Viral

A man in his 50’s was arrested after he was suspected of attacking a pregnant woman in Manor Road in Stamford Hill, London last Thursday around 6:30pm. The unnamed suspect was apprehended in suspicion of subjecting a 20-year old pregnant woman to a traumatizing experience when he put a pillowcase over her head and punched her in the stomach repeatedly.

CCTV footage captured by surveillance cameras in the Shomrim neighborhood was shared on social media by the neighborhood watch group which led to the man's arrest. In the video, the man, dressed in a dark hooded jacket, dark pants and white trainers could be seen approaching the pregnant woman from behind.

He had a shopping trolley in tow which he left nearby before coming down on the victim. He moved towards the woman, attempted to slip a pillowcase over her head and then began punching her belly multiple times before running away. The video which was previously posted on Shomrim's Twitter account has been deleted due to its violent and disturbing content that could trigger psychological effects on assault victims.

According to reports from Scotland Yard, police were able to locate the man at an address in Haringey and remains in custody at an east London police station, The Guardian reported.

The victim was about 28 weeks pregnant and was brought to the hospital for treatment. She suffered minor injuries despite the grievous bodily harm inflicted on her by the assailant.

Metropolitan police are still looking for clues to establish the man’s motives as it is still unclear if the incident is linked to any other offenses or can be classified as a hate crime.

Detectives are investigating the assault which was described by Labour MP David Lammyk as a “hateful attack". The victim has been identified to be a Jewish woman.

Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of Shomrim, said the “violent and brutal” assault on the victim has left the woman “deeply traumatized”, BBC reported.

The rabbi reiterated that all parties must ensure that the safety of women and girls in the area is put on the front burner and is assured.

Dave Rich, director of policy at the Community Security Trust, advised and encouraged anyone who knows anything about the incident to contact the police.

Meanwhile, police have been conducting patrols in the Stamford Hill area to provide reassurance to the local community.