This is the moment a ‘serial sex attacker’ ran down the street after allegedly groping a 15-year-old schoolgirl.
About 25 women and girls, as young as 13, have reported being attacked in the past year in south London, mainly in Lewisham and Greenwich but also including Southwark, Bromley and Bexley.
Officers believe the assaults are linked and may have been committed by the same person.
Previously police said they believed they were dealing with around 10 linked assaults in the summer last year, but a review of other attacks in the area led detectives to increase the number significantly.
This is the moment a ‘serial sex attacker’ ran down the street after allegedly groping a 15-year-old schoolgirl
The first of the recent attacks is believed to have involved a 13-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in Foxfield Road, Orpington, at about 9.15am on October 16 2016.
Since then, police have received reports of similar offences, mostly during morning or afternoon rush hour.
The last attack was reportedly carried out against a 15-year-old girl in Sandbourne Road, Brockley, just after 8.30am on Wednesday November 22.
Officers have released CCTV footage from the incident showing a man that they want to speak to as part of their investigation.
He is described as white, in his 40s and with blue eyes.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Furphy said: ‘These offences have been traumatic for the victims, all of whom have been young females going about their daily lives.
‘There is a strong possibility that these incidents are part of a linked series of attacks as a number of victims have provided very similar descriptions of the attacker – a white man aged between 40 and 50.
‘It is also notable that none of these offences have taken place over a weekend and many of them have been committed during the morning and evening rush hours.’
Officers have released CCTV footage from the incident showing a man that they want to speak to as part of their investigation
Police have received reports of similar offences, mostly during morning or afternoon rush hour
The Metropolitan Police are searching for this man in connection with a string of sexual assaults across south east London between June and November
Officers have released CCTV footage from the incident showing a man that they want to speak to as part of their investigation
Police said they have increased patrols in the areas where offences have been reported, and were working with local schools and communities
He appealed for the public’s help in tracking down the man in the footage and said there may be other victims who have not come forward.
‘If you are a victim, or know someone who has been a victim of a sexual assault, I can assure you your information will be treated with strict confidence and sensitivity,’ he added.
Police said they have increased patrols in the areas where offences have been reported, and were working with local schools and communities.
Anyone with information can call the police on 0208 284 8346 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.