Manhunt Underway After Trio of Shocking Sex Attacks in Greenwich and Lewisham
Police launch urgent hunt after linking three terrifying sexual assaults in Greenwich and Lewisham. The attacks — two in early hours of March and June, and a third in early June — have put the South East London community on edge.
Three Attacks, One Suspect?
Detectives from the Met’s South East Command are probing three separate sex attacks. Two are confirmed linked — breaking out at 4.30am on Saturday, 9 March, and 2am on Sunday, 2 June. A third attack happened just days later, early on Friday, 7 June.
Officers are mulling whether the third incident is connected to the earlier two. A CCTV image of a man on a bike caught in Greenwich’s SE10 area on 2 June forms a key part of the probe.
Grim Details of the Attacks
- 9 March: A woman in her 50s walking across Blackheath Common spots a man on a bench with a bike. Suddenly, he lunges, pushes her to the ground, attempts to rape her, then cycles off. She escapes and calls police.
- 2 June: At 2am, a woman in her 20s is attacked on a footbridge near Tunnel Avenue, SE10. The suspect, seen carrying a large, zippered, possibly khaki or dark rucksack, rapes her and flees on a bike.
- 7 June: At 2.17am, a woman in her 40s walking through Margaret McMillan Park, SE8, is grabbed from behind. The man tries to rape her, steals cash from her jacket, then escapes towards Douglas Way after she fights him off.
Police Appeal and Man in CCTV Image
Detective Chief Inspector Angela Craggs said:
“Stranger attacks are incredibly rare and we urge the public to stay alert but not alarmed. The first two offences are linked, and we’re examining if the third is connected too.
“We need to speak with the man in the CCTV image who may assist our investigation. If you recognise him or have information, please come forward. We are aware there may be more victims who haven’t spoken yet — your information is treated with strict confidence.”
Police are boosting patrols in affected areas amid growing fears.
How to Help – And Who’s in Custody
A man in his late 20s has been arrested in connection with all three attacks. He remains in custody as inquiries continue.
If you have any information, contact the South East Safeguarding Team on 0208 284 8461, quoting Operation Ladoga. You can also report anonymously to 0800 555 111. Help keep South East London safe.
