Fears ‘serial sex attacker’ has been targeting women in London

Chilling CCTV showing the moment a rapist preyed on a lone woman in London has been released, as detectives revealed they fear the same prowler has struck before.

It shows a man grabbing hold of a woman he went on to assault in Shoreditch, east London, in 2022.

The same man is believed to have carried out a similar attack on the other side of the city in Westminster in 2018.

Scotland Yard released the footage and redistributed a previous E-fit image of the suspect after linking the two rapes through forensic evidence.

Detectives are now urging any other potential victims to come forward, as well as anyone who may recognise the man pictured.

DI Chris Heathcote, responsible for investigating rape and serious offences in east London, said: ‘These two offences were initially investigated by separate teams given the distance between the two incidents, however we have since been able to forensically link the same individual to both offences.

‘Given the four-year gap, we must assume that it’s highly likely the suspect has carried out further attacks.

‘A review of all unsolved rapes for this time period has identified no links to these two offences, but I would appeal to anyone who feels they have been a victim to come forward.’

Despite earlier appeals, the perpetrator remains on the loose.

The first attack took place at about 2.50am on Saturday May 5, 2018, near The Strand.

An E-fit was released after officers combed through hours of CCTV footage.

The rapist struck again in the early hours of the morning on Saturday December 10, 2022, on Curtain Road.

CCTV footage shows man usher a woman down a narrow street outside a primary school before he stops to lock her into a hug and rub her back.

The force wants to speak to him in connection with the investigation.

Investigators continue the probe, including further DNA testing of samples which linked the two incidents.

DI Heathcote continued: ‘The suspect involved in both incidents appears to target lone women in the night time economy.

‘I understand there will be concern that this individual remains outstanding, but can offer every assurance that we are taking all possible steps to ensure he is found and brought to justice for these awful crimes.

‘If you believe you have been a victim or recognise the man from any of the material released please come forward.

‘Any information – no matter how small – could help us with our investigation.’

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