CCTV image issued after four incidents so far this year

Four attacks on women in the Acton area are now being linked by police who have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to.

The latest assault took place on Wednesday, 9 March when a 24-year-old woman was walking from the East Acton tube station between 10.25pm and 10.40pm. She was approached from behind by a man from behind who to grabbed her and assaulted her before fleeing the scene.

Man police wish to speak to in connection with sexual assaults in Acton

The suspect is described as being of white or Asian appearance, between 20-32 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 now looking at the possibility that this assault may be 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. She had been 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, Acton, 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. In this attack she was grabbed by a man who made suggestive comments before fleeing.

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, "It is essential we identify and speak to the man in the CCTV image. I would ask the public to look carefully at the image and, if anyone recognises the male, or has any information as to who he is, or where he can be found, to contact us 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 0207 161 9702 or via 101. Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

April 12, 2016