Several incidents around Wormwood Scrubs park during summer
Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following a series of sexual assaults in the Wormwood Scrubs park area in Scrubs Lane during the summer.
Police say one of the assaults took place on Sunday September 11 in the early evening when a woman was walking her dog with her daughter along a path in the wooded area on the northern side of Wormwood Scrubs.
The woman heard screams coming from the open area of the park. Approximately 15 minutes later she was approached by a man who appeared in an agitated state, asked her for the time and then ran off. A few minutes later he ran back towards the woman and her daughter, but made no physical contact. The woman then left the area fearing for her safety.
Another incident took place on Wednesday August 31 between 6pm and 7pm when a 16-year-old girl was outside the main gate of Wormwood Scrubs Park. The girl was followed out of the park by a man shouting obscenities. She ran away to safety.
A third incident took place on Friday July 22 at about 6.30pm when a man was seen acting suspiciously in the open ground area of the park. The man appeared to be paying attention to female dog walkers, following them from a distance and staring at them.
The suspect is described as a black male, aged between 20 and 30, wearing a baseball cap, loose trousers, possibly denim jeans, and a jean jacket.
Detective Chief Inspector Will Young from Hammersmith and Fulham Police says: " There have been a number of minor offences of a sexual nature within Wormwood Scrubs park and I would like to take this opportunity to remind users of the park to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
"We have linked two offences and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward.
" This park is a low crime area but following a few basic crime prevention guidelines we can keep it this way. If possible keep to the open areas and be aware of your surroundings."
Anyone with information should contact your local police in the strictest confidence on 0208 246 2747 or call the non-emergency number 101. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
October 4, 2011