Serial rapist ‘stalking women on London night buses’

Crime reporter(wp/es):::

A serial sex attacker is stalking young female bar and restaurant workers  making their way home on night buses, police revealed today.

Scotland Yard fear he will strike again following two rapes, one attempted rape and a robbery in 11 days in streets in Newham and Waltham Forest.

Two women were raped by a man who asked them “where are you going?” after they got off night buses from  central London in the early hours.  

Two other women narrowly escaped when their screams were heard.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Packer said the public should not be afraid to provide names of possible suspects because forensic evidence would clear anyone who is innocent.He added: “This is what I would call a manhunt and I am genuinely concerned. He is a dangerous individual and there could be many other victims. I don’t know if the victims will ever get over something like this.”

A 35-year-old woman suffered an “absolutely horrific” rape in Chadwin Road, Plaistow, on Monday July 1 at 2.40am. 

The attacker also stole her mobile phone and other property.

Then, on Saturday July 6, a woman was followed by a man and robbed in St Mary’s Road near Leyton Tube station at 3.25am. The attacker ran off when her screams alerted a passer-by.

A short time later, at 4.20am, a 31-year-old woman was approached and punched in the face by a man who then raped her in Amethyst Road, Waltham Forest. He also stole her phone. 

In the fourth attack, on July 11, another  woman aged 31 was followed by a man who threatened her and attempted to rape her at about 3.30am in Central Park Road, East Ham. 

He stole her phone after her shouts were heard.

Mr Packer said: “It would appear the male is targeting lone females using the public transport network and hubs. The women are similar in that they are coming home from work in central London bars and restaurants.

“He starts with a bit of conversation, asking ‘where are you going?’ The language then turns explicit. 

“I would like to speak to any woman who has been approached by a similar man who made her feel awkward.

“People should have a good look at the man in our images. He’s not unkempt, he’s got nice clothes on. His hair has recently been shaved. Are you his barber? Or do you work in a late-night shop and has he come in to top up a mobile? Is there someone you know who is out at night but they are not normally? All I need is a name. If you think you know who this man is, please don’t delay.”

The victims are being supported by specially trained officers. Extra patrols have been carried out in the area. The Met advised women walking alone at night to be aware of their surroundings and to keep family and friends informed of where they might be going.