Police launch hunt for rapist who attacked two women in a week

(POLICE)
Detectives have released an image of the suspect, wanted in connection with the linked attacks in east London, boarding a bus (MET POLICE)

Police have released CCTV images of a man they are looking for in connection with two serious sexual assaults that took place just five days apart.

In the first incident, officers were called on Monday 1 July at 2:40am to a residential street in the Plaistow South area of Newham, east London.

A 35-year-old woman was walking home when she was approached from behind by a man, who then raped her before stealing property from the victim.

The Met Police have released CCTV images of a man they are looking to trace.

Image released by police of a man they are keen to trace in relation to two sexual assaults on women in Newham and Waltham Forest on July 1 and July 6. See National News story NNfiend. Detectives from the Met's North East Command Unit are investigating two serious sexual assaults in Newham and Waltham Forest that are linked. As part of their enquiries officers have released an image of a man they are keen to trace. In the first incident, police were called on Monday, 1 July at 02:40hrs to a residential street in the Plaistow South area in Newham. A 35-year-old woman was walking home when she was approached from behind by a man, who then raped her. He also stole property belonging to the victim.
The image shows the man getting on a late night bus in Plaistow after the first attack (SWNS)

Five days later on Saturday 6 July, a 31-year-old woman was approached by a man who then raped her in Amethyst Road, Leyton, at around 4.20am.

The man again stole some of her belongings.

Detectives are linking the two rapes - which took place just over three miles apart - due to the similar nature of the attacks.

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Detective Superintendent Andrew Packer, of the Met's North East Command Unit, said: "These incidents have been deeply traumatic for the victims, who are being supported by specialist officers.

"My teams are completing a detailed review of all the facts available so far.

"In addition to a dedicated investigation team, we have extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance and these officers are actively seeking to arrest this suspect.

Image released by police of a man they are keen to trace in relation to two sexual assaults on women in Newham and Waltham Forest on July 1 and July 6. See National News story NNfiend. Detectives from the Met's North East Command Unit are investigating two serious sexual assaults in Newham and Waltham Forest that are linked. As part of their enquiries officers have released an image of a man they are keen to trace. In the first incident, police were called on Monday, 1 July at 02:40hrs to a residential street in the Plaistow South area in Newham. A 35-year-old woman was walking home when she was approached from behind by a man, who then raped her. He also stole property belonging to the victim.
Detectives say they are linking the two rapes, just over three miles apart, due to the similar nature of the attacks (SWNS)

“Please have a good look at this photo, and let my officers know if you have any idea as to who this man is."

He added: “I would advise any women walking alone at night to remain vigilant, to be mindful of their surroundings, and to keep family and friends informed of where they may be going.

"If you see anything you think is suspicious, do not hesitate - call 999 immediately."

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