Police link three sex attacks in Woolwich in space of 10 days

Three women have been sexually assaulted within 400 yards of each other – one in a tower block lobby – in the space of just 10 days.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the series of sexual assaults in Woolwich, which are being treated as linked.

In the first attack, on Friday, February 7, a woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted at 5.40pm in Godfrey Road. She attempted to take a picture of the attacker, but without success.

The woman described the man as black, possibly of Somali origin, and aged 16-18. He was wearing a three-quarter length coat with a brown/blond fur hood, a black back, dark grey trousers and smart black shoes.

Then on Wednesday, February 12, a woman in her 50s was walking through a car park near Whitby Road when a man matching the description provided by the first woman sexually assaulted her, before running away.

And on Wednesday of this week a woman was sexually assaulted in the lobby of a block of flats, again in Godfrey Road, at around 8pm.

The man threatened to stab her when she struggled to defend herself. She also described her attacker as a black man wearing a blue coat with a furry hood. He fled the scene.

Detective Constable Camilla Price said: “We have three investigations of similar method with a common suspect description.

“Based on statements provided by all three victims, I believe that the assaults are linked and I want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any of the incidents, or who has information that could help us identify and apprehend the suspect.”

Anyone who can assist the investigation should call the incident room on 0208 284 9100 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.