Police in Greenwich are investigating a string of sex assaults on lone women carried out over the last five months in Plumstead and Woolwich.

Most of the offences around the Barnfield Estate area have taken place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, with some happening in the evening.

The assaults began in January this year, and the most recent was reported on Saturday (May 14).

Police say on each occasion the suspect has approached his victim - a lone woman - and touched her over her clothing before fleeing from the scene.

Witnesses have given two descriptions of the suspect who is said to be a black male around 5ft 8 inches to 6ft tall and aged between 18 to 30 years old.

At the time of some of the attacks the suspect was wearing leisure wear or a tracksuit, a ‘beanie’ style hat and carrying a Nike rucksack.

On other occasions he is described as being smartly dressed and carrying a briefcase.

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Detectives are analysing the offences to establish if the same man is responsible for each incident, but no arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Chief Inspector Darren Cox, who is responsible for neighbourhood policing in Greenwich, said: “We realise that these recent events will cause concern within communities.

“I’d like to reassure the public that every effort is being made to identify the person or persons responsible and bring them to justice.

“Incidents have occurred in and around Acworth House, Herbert Road, Plum Lane, Donaldson Road, Burrage Road and Ann Street and extra patrols are being conducted by both uniformed and plain clothes officers in the area with officers engaging with local communities and partners to provide reassurance.“

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.

Have you been affected? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885721 or email jessica.bell@london.newsquest.co.uk.