Attacks On Women In Wapping 'Could Be Linked'

Violent attacks on two women in east London could be linked, police have said.

The women were both stabbed in separate attacks 15 days apart as they walked through the same park in Wapping.

The first attack occurred at around 6.25pm on Tuesday, December 4, as the 38-year-old victim walked through the park, known locally as Wapping Woods, off Garnet Street.

The attacker approached her holding a knife and stabbed her before taking a digital camera from her bag and running off towards The Highway.

Then on Saturday December 29, at around 12.25pm, a 26-year-old woman was approached by a man holding a knife and forced into bushes where she was stabbed.

It is not believed that anything was taken before he ran away towards The Highway.

The victim was taken to an east London hospital in a serious condition, though her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Following the first incident the description of the suspect was given as an Asian male in his late teens or early twenties, between 5ft 2ins and 6ft in height, chubby build with short black straight hair with a brushed forward fringe.

He was wearing a dark, unzipped hoodie with light tassels, and jeans.

The second victim described her attacker as an Asian man, aged around 30 years, 5ft 6 to 7ins in height, with gelled messy hair and light stubble, and wearing denim jeans and a dark jacket.

Given the similarities between the circumstances and victim descriptions in both attacks, they are being treated as potentially linked.

Inspector Joseph McDonald of Tower Hamlets police said: "There are clear similarities between these incidents and officers are doing everything possible to find the man or men responsible.

"The violence used in these attacks is hugely concerning and could easily have led to a fatality.

"I would urge anyone with information that could assist officers to make contact with the police as soon as possible so that we can apprehend whoever is responsible."

Anyone with information should call Tower Hamlets Police on 101 or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.