Kadian Nelson has been charged with rape and kidnap and will appear in court later today after video footage emerged of an 'attempted abduction' in Mitcham.
The 26-year-old will appear in court later today after an incident in the North Place area at around 7am on Tuesday, November 3.
A video showing a woman confronting a man who was caught on camera walking with a young school girl inside an alleyway was widely shared over the past few days.
In the video, the woman is seen comforting the distressed girl before the alleged rapist fled towards Colliers Wood.
An appeal was launched by police urging the suspect, named by officers as Kadian Nelson, to turn himself in "immediately" for his own safety as well as members of the public.
There were also reports of vigilante justice, with large numbers of people surrounding various address searching for the suspect.
A Section 60 stop and search Order was authorised for the entirety of Merton and Wandsworth due to fears of serious violence.
Late on November 3, police reported that a man had been arrested in connection with the incident.
And this morning (November 5), Met Police say they have charged Nelson, from the Mitcham area, with rape and kidnap.
He is due to appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court later today, November 5.
Detective Superintendent Owain Richards said: "We are of course aware of videos and images circulating on social media, and of groups of people attending various addresses.
"I recognise that this is a shocking and distressing incident and emotions locally are running very high."
Speaking prior to Nelson's arrest, Richards said: "I urge those people to go home. Do not try to take the law into your own hands or you may end up doing something you regret and potentially face police action yourself.
“You must allow us to do our jobs. It is imperative that we follow the right processes as we investigate this incident as any interference could potentially affect proceedings further down the line."
In the video
The teenage girl and her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
Any witnesses or those who have information that could assist police are asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference 1063/03Nov.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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