'Serial sex attacker' may have assaulted 25 women and children across south London

Police have released CCTV footage of a man they suspect could have committed as many as 25 sexual assaults against women and children across south London.

Officers are investigating the attacks in the boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bromley and Bexley. All the assaults have taken place within the past year, and each victim has described a similar suspect.

The first incident is believed to have happened on 16 October 2016 when a 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Foxfield Road, Orpington at around 9:15am. Since then several other young woman and children have come forward with stories of similar offences.

The last reported incident was committed on 22 November this year when a 15-year-old girl reported that she had been sexually assaulted in Sandbourne Road, Brockley just after 8:30am. Police have released CCTV of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the investigation.

He is described as a middle-aged white man in his 40s with blue eyes.

Police patrols have been stepped up in the areas where offences have been reported. Detectives are working with local schools to reassure pupils and parents.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Furphy of Lewisham police, who is leading the investigation, said: "These offences have been traumatic for the victims, all of whom have been young females going about their daily lives.

"There is a strong possibility that these incidents are part of a linked series of attacks as a number of victims have provided very similar descriptions of the attacker - a white man aged between 40 and 50.

"It is also notable that none of these offences have taken place over a weekend and many of them have been committed during the morning and evening rush hours.

"Our officers have been working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect but we need the public's help. CCTV shows footage of a male that we would like to speak to who we believe may be able to assist our investigation. If this is you or if you know who this person is, please contact us.

"We are also aware that there might be further victims who have not yet spoken to police; if you are a victim, or know someone who has been a victim of a sexual assault, I can assure you your information will be treated with strict confidence and sensitivity. We also have access to specialist support."

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 0208 284 8346 or call 101 or tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.