Police hunt man after string of sex assaults near west London Tube station

Appeal: Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to
Met Police
Jamie Bullen12 April 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Scotland Yard today issued an alert to women walking home from the Tube after a series of sex attacks on women in west London.

The warning comes after a 24-year-old woman was grabbed from behind and attacked as she walked from East Acton station.

Detectives said they are investigating a possible link to three previous sex attacks in the Acton area and released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to about the offences.

Police are asking women to be vigilant when walking home from Tube stations and while using their mobile phones or headphones.

The latest incident happened on Wednesday, March 9 when the 24-year-old woman was assaulted as she walked from the station between 10.25pm and 10.40pm.

The suspect is described as being of white or Asian appearance, aged between 20 and 32, 6ft, of slim build with dark hair. He wore a dark parka-type coat with a fur-trimmed hood and shows with light coloured soles.

On January 3, a woman in her teens was grabbed from behind by a suspect who reached round to her chest as she listened to music while she walked along St Andrew’s Road.

On January 25, a woman in her 20s who had left East Acton station was on her mobile phone when a man grabbed her in Hoylake Road before he ran away.

And on February 4, a woman in her 30s was attacked by a man who made suggestive comments as she walked along Trinity Way. He also fled the scene.

Scotland Yard said there is currently no forensic evidence to link the attacks but the incidents are now being investigated by the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.

Detective Inspector Ash Hornsby, who is leading the investigation said: “It is essential we identify and speak to the man in the CCTV image.

“I would ask the public to look carefully at the image and, if anyone recognises the male, or has any information as to who he is, or where he can be found, to contact us immediately.

"I would also urge anyone who was in any of these locations on the days and times of these offences and who may have seen any assault or anything suspicious to get in touch.

"Equally, if anyone has been the victim of an as yet unreported assault then they are urged to contact police."

Anyone with any information is requested to call police on 0207 161 9702 or via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org

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