CCTV of the suspect. Pic: MET

Scotland Yard has released new CCTV footage of a man suspected of assaulting up to 25 young women and girls in Lewisham and other areas of south and south-east London.

The attacks have taken place in five different boroughs over the past year but many occurred in Lewisham and Greenwich. The other boroughs are Southwark, Bromley and Bexley. Police believe they may all be linked.

Sixteen of the 25 victims were young children. The victims ages range from eight to 35-years-old.

Many of his victims are young women and girls attacked at rush hour between 07:00 and 09:00 in the morning and 16:00 and 16:00 and 18:00 in the afternoon.

The last reported assault was committed on Wednesday, November 22, when a 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Sandbourne Road, Brockley. CCTV footage from this incident reveals a man with whom the police would like to speak.

The first incident is believed to have been on October 16 last year, in Orpington, in which a 13-year-old was assaulted.

He has been described as a middle-aged man in his 40s, with blue eyes.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Furphy of Lewisham police, who leading the investigation, said: “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.

“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 020 8284 8346 or call 101 or tweet @MetCC, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.