New CCTV Image of Acton Sex Attacker Released
Suspected of involvement of four assaults on women earlier this year
A renewed appeal is being made to track down a man responsible for a series of sexual assaults on women in Acton earlier this year.
Detectives have released an additional CCTV image following their earlier appeal concerning four assaults, believed to be linked, between 3 January and 9 March this year.
As part of that appeal, officers released a CCTV image of a man they would like to identify and speak to, specifically in relation to the offence on Wednesday, 9 March in which a 24-year-old woman walked from East Acton tube station between 10.25pm and 10.40pm. She was approached by a man from behind and was assaulted before her attacker fled the scene.
New image released of suspect Acton sex attacker
The suspect for that offence is described as being of white or Asian appearance, between 20 and 32 years, 6ft in height, of slim build with dark hair. He wore a dark parka-type coat with a fur-trimmed hood. He also wore shoes with light-coloured soles.
Investigating officers are looking at the possibility that this assault is linked to three other previously reported incidents in the Acton area.
The first incident involved an 18-year-old woman as she walked along St Andrew's Road, W3, on Sunday, 3 January. It is in relation to this assault that the latest CCTV image has been released. This shows the suspect wearing what appears to be the same coat as in the incident on 9 March. The victim in this offence was listening to music with her headphones in when a man grabbed her from behind and reached round to her chest. The victim struggled and the suspect fled the scene.
The second incident took place along Hoylake Road, W3, on Monday, 25 January, as a 27-year-old woman walked from East Acton tube station towards her home address. She was talking on her mobile when a man grabbed and assaulted her before running away.
The third incident involved a 38-year-old woman as she walked along Trinity Way, W3, away from some shops, on Thursday, 4 February. The suspect grabbed her and made suggestive comments before fleeing.
Man police wish to speak to in connection with sexual assaults in Acton
The incidents were originally being investigated separately but intelligence work has now led to them being linked. Whilst currently there is no forensic evidence linking them as sexual attacks, all four incidents are now being investigated by the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command. Detectives are keeping an open mind regarding the suspect, and any motive, and are asking women to be vigilant, especially when walking home from tube stations and whilst using their mobile phones or whilst wearing headphones.
They are also appealing for anyone who may have been the victim of any unreported attack - violent or not - to contact them.
Detective Inspector Ash Hornsby, who is leading the investigation, said, "As part of extensive enquiries, CCTV in relation to the offence on 3 January has now been obtained and reviewed. The suspect appears to be wearing the same coat in the attacks on this date and the offence on 9 March. A similar coat is also described in the offence on 25 January, although this may not necessarily be the same person.
"It is essential we identify and speak to the man or men in the CCTV images. I would ask the public to look carefully at both images and, if anyone recognises the suspect, or has any information as to who he is, or where he can be found, to contact police 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 the investigation team on 020 7161 9702 or via 101. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
June 21, 2016