Police release image of man sought over sexual assaults on girls in south east London

Police in London have released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with four sexual assaults on teenage girls.

The four separate assaults took place in Greenwich, south-east London between 16 December and 18 January, with police believing they may be linked.

In two of the attacks, teenage girls were followed off buses by a man who then sexually touched them, while in the other two teenage girls were approached by a man who asked for directions before assaulting them.

The Met Police said officers investigating the incidents think they may be linked and are keen to speak to anyone else with information.

DS James Robinson, who is leading the investigation, said: "We know these incidents will cause concern within the community and we are doing all we can to identify the person responsible.

"We are also asking for your help – if you recognise the man in this image or have any information that could assist us, no matter how small, then contact us as soon as possible."

Read more: Hunt for mystery man who rings doorbell at night and then walks away

In the first incident on Thursday, 16 December, a 13-year-old girl was followed off a 229 bus on Crossway, near the junction of Hoverton Road in Thamesmead, by a man who sexually touched her before running away when she screamed.

On Wednesday, 12 January, a 16-year-old girl was walking down Poplar Place, also in Thamesmead, when she was approached by a man asking for directions. He pushed her against a fence and sexually touched her before she screamed and ran away.

Watch: Fewer women trust police after Sarah Everard murder, survey suggests

In the third incident, a 17-year-old girl was followed off the A422 bus by a man at Artillery Place in Woolwich on Thursday, 13 January. He followed her into a nearby property and grabbed the back of her leg, causing her to fall. As she was on the floor he sexually touched her and ran from the scene when the victim shouted for help.

On Tuesday, 18 January, a 16-year-old girl was walking down Kentlea Road, Thamesmead, when she was approached by a man who asked for directions. As she tried to walk away, he sexually touched her before she was able to escape.

Anyone with information on any of the incidents is being should call 101 with the reference 2916/21JAN22 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Watch: Zoe Hardman on what she's most recognised for, how important radio and podcasts have been during the pandemic, and not running away from big career opportunities