Scotland Yard yesterday issued an alert to women walking home alone after a series of random violent attacks in south London. Three women have been punched in the face and head in what detectives fear were “sexually motivated” incidents.
The attacks took place within a four-mile radius in south London, the first on December 4 last year and the most recent on January 1.
Police said the attacks had been so sudden that the victims were not aware of anyone behind them. One woman was left unconscious on the pavement before being found by a passer-by.
Yesterday, detectives released CCTV images of a hooded suspect fleeing a scene and warned women walking late at night to take precautions, including not wearing headphones and being more aware of people around them.
Detective chief Inspector Zena Marshall, who is leading the inquiry, said: “The attacks take place in a matter of seconds and the suspect targets lone females early in the morning. We believe there could be a sexual motive, although there is no evidence of a sexual attack. The motive is not believed to be theft or robbery because the suspect has left items of value.”
All the women were walking home alone after a night out in central London in the early hours of a weekend or public holiday. Police said the suspect’s actions had led them to link the attacks.
The first incident was on December 4 in Commercial Way, Peckham, between 1.15am and 2.15am, when a 31-year-old suffered injuries. The second was on December 13 in Hanover Park, Peckham, between 6.15am and 6.45am, when a 30-year-old woman was knocked unconscious.
The third attack was on New Year’s Day in Creekside, Deptford, in the early hours when an 18-year-old woman suffered serious head and facial injuries.
Marshall, of Scotland Yard’s Serious and Complex Case Team, said: “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.”
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