Hunt for sex attacker accused of targeting young children and women in 'frightening' daylight assaults

A manhunt is underway for a prolific sexual predator accused of targeting young children and women in a series of "frightening" daylight assaults.

Police launched an investigation after two women and seven young girls reported they were approached and sexually assaulted.

All of the victims reported that a man approached them and touched them inappropriately before fleeing on foot.

The alleged attacks took place in broad daylight between June 30 and October 16 in the Greenwich and Lewisham areas of London. The victims' ages range between 11 and 27.

​Police believe the attacks to be linked as a number of victims have provided similar descriptions: a white man, aged between 40 and 50, with short white or blonde hair.

Detectives have released CCTV images of a man leaving the scene of the Honor Oak Road incident and are appealing to the public to help identify him.

Superintendent Lee Hill, of Greenwich Police, said: "These incidents were very frightening for the victims. I am appealing to the public to help identify and locate this man as quickly as possible.

"Although none of the victims have suffered physical injury, the effects of becoming a victim of sexual assault can be lasting and traumatic.

"I am concerned that there may be more victims who have not come forward and are not receiving the support that they may need. I would urge any victims who have not yet come forward to contact the police."

The first attack took place on Ravens Way on Friday, June 30, at 8.20am, the second on Edward Tyler Road on Tuesday, August 29, at 1.14pm, and a third on Wednesday on Vicars Hill, again at 8.20am.

Two attacks took place on September 28, the first at 8.15am on Alanthus Close, and the second at 4.30pm on Frank Burton Close.

Three more assaults occurred on Thursday, October 5, two on Kidbrooke Park Road, one at 9.20am and another shortly after at 9.30am. A third was reported as taking place in Liskeard Gardens at 9.54am on the same day.

The final incident happened on Monday, October 16, in Honor Oak Road at 4pm.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.