A "DANGEROUS predator" who attacked and raped prostitutes in Plumstead Gardens has been jailed for 10 years.

Ashan Imran tried to choke and strangle sex workers in the brutal attacks – using a ‘fish hook’ move to pull out one of his victim’s teeth.

Imran, aged 26, of Marmadon Road, Plumstead, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with a three year extension due to the dangerous nature of the offences at Woolwich Crown Court on February 13.

He was previously found guilty of two counts of rape, attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle with intent.

The court heard how Imran lured a 25-year-old prostitute to Plumstead Gardens - opposite his home - in June last year where he forced his fingers inside her mouth causing serious injuries before raping her twice.

The following month he took another sex-worker into the gardens and tried to strangle her with a plastic bag and suffocate her by stuffing his sock in her mouth.

He then tried to rape the 32-year-old who managed to fight him off and escape. Both victims were taken to hospital with significant injuries following the attacks.

Detectives say the rape of street workers is under-reported and hope the conviction encourages other victims to come forward and prevent further assaults.

Detective Constable Joanne Crockford, of the Met's Sapphire command, said: "Thankfully we have stopped a violent and predatory offender in his tracks.

"His vicious attacks on vulnerable victims could have led to someone being murdered."

Police used CCTV and items from the scene including the bag, sock and victim’s clothing to track the suspect.

Detective Inspector Neal Burton added: "The Sapphire team has put away a very dangerous man.

"They were industrious and persistent in solving these horrendous crimes.

"They secured the trust of the victims and ensured this successful outcome.

"Rape of street workers is under-reported and this conviction sends a clear message to those who think they can assault vulnerable woman."

He added: "I hope this will encourage those who have been victims to come forward and tell us what has happened to them."