Detectives from the Met’s North East Command Unit are investigating three serious sexual assaults which have occurred in Newham and Waltham Forest and which are believed to be are linked.
As part of the investigation, the Met has released some images of a male who they would like to speak to in connection with the violent assaults.
In the first incident, police were called on Monday, 1 July at 02:40hrs to a residential street in the Plaistow South area in Newham.
A 35-year-old woman was walking home when she was approached from behind by a man, who then raped her.
He also stole property belonging to the victim.
The second incident occurred on Saturday, 6 July at 03.25hrs, near to Leyton Underground Station, where a man followed a woman and then robbed.
The male also made sexual advances toward her.
The third incident occurred on Saturday, 6 July at Amethyst Road, Waltham Forest at 04:20hrs; a 31-year-old woman was approached by a man who then raped her.
The man also stole property.
In the fourth incident, police were called at around 03:30hrs on Thursday, 11 July to Central Park Road, East Ham.
A woman, aged 31, reported she was followed by a man who threatened her and attempted to rape her.
The man also stole the woman’s property.
A spokesperson for the Met police confirmed that due to the similarities in these attacks, police are treating the incidents as linked.
Detectives would like to speak to the man pictured. The image was captured on a bus in Plaistow shortly before the first incident.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Packer said:
“These incidents have been deeply traumatic for the victims, who are being supported by specialist officers.
“My teams are completing a detailed review of all the facts available so far.
“In addition to a dedicated investigation team, we have extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance, and these officers are actively seeking to arrest this suspect.
“Please have a good look at this photo and let my officers know if you have any idea as to who this man is.
“I would advise any 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. If you see anything you think is suspicious, do not hesitate – call 999 immediately.”
Anyone who can identify the man is asked to call the investigation team on 07881 330951.
Alternatively, call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 777/1 July. You can call anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers is a charity that is independent of the police and they never reveal the source of any information that is passed over to them.
Join our WhatsApp community!
ESN is now on WhatsApp, and we want you to join our 'read only' channel.
To join, you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is click the link and press 'Join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up, and no one can send messages except the ESN team.You won't get any 'SPAM' just news stories & videos written & produced by our team of former emergency services personnel.
Joining our WhatsApp channel is a great way to help support our work and best of all, it is free!
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.