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Clapham sex attacks: Serial attacker thought to be behind ninth assault in south London

Another victim was molested in the street in Clapham on Saturday

Caroline Mortimer
Monday 02 November 2015 12:01 GMT

A serial sex attacker linked to eight assaults in South London is believed to have struck for the ninth time, prompting a police warning to women to be vigilant.

Officers say a woman was molested in the street in Clapham just before 6pm on Saturday evening and they believe it is linked to eight other attacks in a 1.5 mile radius over the past three weeks.

Chief Inspector Tony Hirst, of Lambeth Police, said: "We are following up inquiries on this latest sexual assault.

"Police were called to Edithna Street shortly after 5.40pm after a woman was approached by a man whilst her back was turned.

"The man proceeded to touch the woman on her backside multiple times.

"The victim called for help and the attacker fled, making off in the direction of Landor Road. His description matches those of similar assaults in the area."

The suspect is believed to be behind nine separate sexual assaults in south London

Detective Sergeant Gordon Barclay “We have had a good response following previous appeals.

“We would still like to advise women to remain vigilant when travelling at night and would also ask that anybody who may have any information regarding these offences to make contact with police.”

Two men were arrested in connection with the attacks last week but have since been released on bail.

Timeline of the attacks

Attack 1 - 9 October

A 23-year-old woman was grabbed in Clitheroe Road and sexually assaulted on Friday 9 October at 11:30pm.

She managed to raise the alarm and the suspect fled.

Attack 2 - 10 October

A few hours later at approximately 1:15am, the attacker struck again.

A 30-year-old woman was walking along Deauville Court when she was approached by the suspect who tried to engage her in conversation.

When she asked him to leave her alone he assaulted her before walking away.

Attack 3 - 22 October

Nearly two weeks later the suspect followed a 32-year-old woman along Trent Road at around 9pm and put his hand up her dress.

Attack 4 - 26 October

Four days later at 7:05pm a 35-year-old woman was grabbed from behind in Arodene Road.

Attack 5 - 26 October

The attack targeted another woman just over an hour later at 8:15pm.

CCTV footage caught the man approaching a 26-year-old from behind on Kings Avenue and assaulting before she was able to call for help.

Attack 6 - 26 October

On the same night, the man targeted a third woman at 9:36pm.

A 28-year-old woman was walking down Sandmere Avenue when she saw the man pull his trousers down to expose himself.

She then fled and called the police.

Attack 7 - 28 October

At 7:20pm a 28-year-old was grabbed by the man while walking along Southwell Road.

She screamed and her attacker fled.

Attack 8 - 28 October

In the second attack that night, a 31-year-old woman was pushed into a block of flats in Sudbourne Road.

She was sexually assaulted and the suspect then fled the scene.

Anyone who has any information or witnesses should to call the MPS on the police non-emergency line on 101. In the event of an emergency call 999.

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