Police are appealing for information following two linked incidents where women have been subjected to sexually motivated attacks by a man riding a bicycle.

At 4.30am on March 9, a woman in her 50s was on her way to work walking across Blackheath Common when she saw a man sitting on a bench.

A bike was resting next to him.

As she got closer to him, he got up and started walking towards her with the bike.

The suspect approached the victim and pushed her to the ground where he attempted to rape her. He fled the scene on a bicycle.

A man from Eltham was charged on June 21 with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in relation to an incident in Tunnel Avenue on June 2.

He was also charged with one count of sexual assault and attempted rape in relation to an incident in Blackheath on March 9.

At 2.00am on June 2 a woman in her 20s was attacked and raped as she crossed a footbridge near Tunnel Avenue.

The suspect is described as carrying a large rucksack, possibly khaki or dark green in colour.

Following the attack on the victim, the suspect fled the scene on a bicycle.

Detective Inspector Sam Swift, from the South East Command Unit who is investigating the attacks, said: “Although a man has been charged in connection with these incidents, I am still very keen to hear from anyone who believes that they have seen something suspicious, and particularly anyone who believes they may also be a victim and may need specialist support.”

Anyone with information concerning these incidents is asked to contact the South East Safeguarding Team on 07990 793471 referencing Operation Ladoga.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.