Police are desperately searching for a serial sex attacker after four women were assaulted and robbed in east London. So far two women have been raped and the other two assaulted and robbed. Detectives are concerned that this attacker could strike again and that women must remain vigilant.
The Independent reported on the attacks:
The first attack was reported at 2.40am on 1 July, by a woman who had been walking home down a residential street in the Plaistow South area of Newham.
The 35-year-old woman was approached from behind by a man, who then raped her and stole her possessions.
The second attack was on 6 July at around 3.30am near Leyton Tube station, where a woman was followed and robbed by a man who “made sexual advances towards her”, the Metropolitan Police said.
The third incident was reported less than an hour later, at 4.20am, in nearby Amethyst Road.
Police said a 31-year-old woman was approached by a man who then raped her and stole her property.
A 31-year-old woman reported that she was followed by a man who threatened her and attempted to rape her. He also stole the woman’s property.
Investigators have released images of a man (pictured below) they want to trace, showing him walking down a road wearing ripped jeans, a camouflage top and dark jacket shortly before the attack on 6 July.
Police said they were treating all incidents as linked due to the similarities between attacks.
The two women who were raped were initially approached as they got off night buses from central London, with the suspect enquiring of them: “Where are you going?”
Detective Superintendent Andrew Packer said:
It would appear the male is targeting lone females using the public transport network and hubs
The women are similar in that they are coming home from work in central London bars and restaurants.
He starts with a bit of conversation, asking ‘where are you going?’ The language then turns explicit.
I would like to speak to any woman who has been approached by a similar man who made her feel awkward.
Do you think you recognise him? If so it is imperative that you contact us.
I am convinced that there will be a member of the public who takes a good close look at this footage and thinks ‘wait a minute, that looks a lot like…’. All I need is a name. If you think you know who this man is, please don’t delay – contact my team right away.”
A Met Police Spokesperson also said:
“Police reiterate advice to any lone women walking alone at night to remain vigilant, to be mindful of their surroundings, and to keep family and friends informed of where they may be going.”
Anyone who can identify the man is asked to call the investigation team on 07881 330951, call 101, tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Unity News Network (UNN) Staff Writer | To find out more details about our staff, please head to the About Us section on our website.
