Violent attacker of lone women in south-east London, including Deptford, hunted by police one year on

The Metropolitan Police Service is continuing to offer a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the attacks.

The three linked incidents took place in December last year and January this year.

All the offences were against lone females on foot in the street and occurred within a four mile radius of each other. They all took place in the early hours of a weekend or public holiday. The level of violence appears to have escalated each time.

The method of the attack was similar in each one with a man attacking the victims from behind and physically assaulting them.

The first attack took place on Friday, 4 December last year in Commercial Way between 1.15am and 2.15am. The 31-year-old victim suffered a head injury.

The second incident was on Sunday, December 13  in Hanover Park, Peckham between 6.15am and 6.45am. The 30-year-old victim was assaulted to the point of unconsciousness and was discovered lying in the street by a passerby.

The third assault took place on New Year's Day this year, in Creekside/Deptford Church Street. The 18-year-old victim suffered serious injuries to her head and face.

All three were originally being investigated separately but intelligence work on the incidents led to them being linked.

Whilst detectives are keeping an open mind regarding the suspect and motive, they cannot rule out a sexual motive for the attacks.

In two of the incidents (Hanover Park and Creekside) the victims had clothing removed.

Officers had previously released CCTV of the Hanover Park attack on Sunday, December 13 and continue to appeal for anyone who with any information about the attacks to come forward.

Appeals also featured on BBC's Crimewatch in March.

Detective Chief Inspector Zena Marshall, who is leading the investigation the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command said: "These vicious unprovoked attacks left the victims very shaken. Even though it's been a year, the victims still vividly remember the attacks and they are still very distressed.

"We have released CCTV of the Hanover Park attack on Sunday, 13 December 2015. Anyone watching it cannot fail to be shocked by its brutality, and therefore understand the need to catch the person responsible.

"I would urge anyone with any information on who the attacker may be, or anyone with any information about the attacks, to come forward and help our investigation."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information about the attacks can call the investigation team on 020 8217 6541 or via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

On Friday, 13 August detectives arrested a 39-year-old man at an address in Nottingham. He was later released with no further action being taken against him.

Police have issued personal safety advice for women following the attacks:

• Prepare and consider your travel arrangements carefully and ensure someone knows where you are going, who you are with and when you might be home.
• Look as assertive as you can, walk with confidence and be aware of your surroundings and who is around you.
• Avoid short cuts and dark isolated areas, vary your routine and be discreet handling cash, phones and wearing jewellery in a public place.
• Never take your safety for granted and look after your friends so that they don't become vulnerable. Remember your personal safety is more important than your phone or other valuables.
• Keep your bags close to you and secured with zips closed. Check your belongings and your pockets regularly.
• Wearing headphones and talking on the phone can make you unaware of your immediate surroundings - this makes you appear vulnerable and gives an advantage to a criminal.
• If you feel uneasy about an individual or situation, trust your instincts and leave the area and head towards a public place such as a shop.