south London attacks
Police released a CCTV image of a man they would like to identify in connection with the attacks Met Police

Police are offering a £10,000 ($14,500) reward to anyone who could provide information to help catch a man suspected of carrying out a series of violent attacks on women in south London. Police are investigating three incidents with occurred in December 2015 and January 2016 in the Lewisham area of London.

Independent charity Crimestoppers is now offering the reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible. CCTV of the man they want to speak to in connection with the attacks has already been issued by police.

Police believe the offences are linked as they are each similar in nature, with the suspect attacking his lone victims from behind before physically assaulting them. The areas in which they have occurred are geographically close to each other. Police are keen to catch the man responsible as the level of violence "appears to have escalated each time".

The first incident took place on 4 December 2015 in Commercial Way, SE15 between 01:15 and 02:15 which left a 31-year-old victim with a head injury. The second incident was on 13 December 2015 on Hanover Park between 06:15 and 06:45. The 30-year-old victim was assaulted to the point of unconsciousness and was discovered lying in the street by a passer-by. The third attack occurred on New Year's Day, in Creekside/Deptford Church Street, SE8. The 18-year-old victim suffered serious assault injuries to her head and face.

Detective Chief Inspector Zena Marshall, who is leading the investigation by the Serious and Complex Case Team, said: "These attacks have all taken place on lone women, at times indicative of travelling after a night out. The areas in which they have occurred are geographically close to each other. The level of violence appears to have escalated each time so I am urging women, in and around the areas affected, to be alert and follow personal safety advice.

"I cannot rule out that there may be other offences, which could possibly be linked. If you are a woman who has been approached or assaulted in circumstances that sound similar to these, but have not reported it to the police, then I would urge you to please get in touch with us.

"Also, I would urge anyone who thinks they recognise the man in the CCTV image released to contact us. Any information you have could prove vital in enabling us to identify and speak to this man as part of our investigation.

"I would also urge anyone who was in any of these locations on the days and times of these offences and saw something that may help then please get in touch with us."

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