Police release CCTV image of cyclist suspected of sexual assaults

Alleged attacker cycling in Greenwich on June 2. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Police are seeking public help in identifying a cyclist who is suspected of committing three sexual assaults that occurred in Lewisham and Greenwich in March and June.

A CCTV image released by police shows  the suspect carrying what appears to be a rucksack as he rode on a bicycle through Greenwich in the early hours of June 2.

The first assault on March 9 occurred at 4:30 a.m. in Blackheath Common, when a woman in her fifties was pushed to the ground on her way to work. The suspect then attempted to rape her but cycled away as the victim was able to get to get away and call the police.

The second assault on June 2 occurred when a woman in her twenties was raped along a footbridge near Tunnel Avenue in Greenwich. The suspect then escaped on his bike. The victim described the suspect as having a khaki or dark green colour rucksack with a number of zips.

The third assault occurred in Margaret McMillan Park, Deptford on June 7 when a woman in her forties was grabbed from behind by a man who then attempted to rape her and steal cash from her pocket. The man fled towards Douglas Way.

Police are reportedly keeping an ‘open-mind’ as to whether this is linked to the previous two instances becaue there are no reports of the man having a bicycle.

A man in his late twenties was arrested on June 8 in connection with the incidents. He has since been bailed  pending inquiries until early July.

In a statement Detective Chief Inspector Angela Craggs of the Metropolitan Police said: “Our team is ensuring the welfare of the victims in each of these offences, and we have a well-resourced operation dedicated to locating whoever is responsible for these attacks.”

She then asked for those with information of the man in the released image to please get in contact: “If you have information about the person in the CCTV image, or about any of the offences which could assist us, please do not delay in coming forward.”

Those with information are asked to contact the South East Safeguarding Team on 0208 284 8461 in reference to ‘Operation Lagoda’. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 080555111or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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