Police say ‘take care after dark’ over three linked sexual assaults in Hackney

Police believe attacks are linked. Photo: Ray Forster (Creative Commons)

A manhunt is underway after a series of sexual assaults detectives believe were carried out by the same man.

Hackney police have warned residents to “take care if you are walking after dark” over the three incidents in late December.

A 34 year-old woman was sexually assaulted walking on Provost Street towards Murray Grove, in the Old Street area, on December 15 at 10.25pm by a passing man.

The victim called out and the man stood and stared at her. She carried on walking and the man left in the opposite direction.

Then on 17 December around 2.30am another woman, 21, was sexually assaulted by a man who emerged from the Wenlock Estate when walking along New North Road towards Mintern Street near Shoreditch Park.

The third attack took place again on Provost Street. At around 10.30pm on 23 December last year, a 27 year-old woman was grabbed by a man and sexually assaulted. She screamed and the man made off.

The suspect is described as white or light skinned, “Oriental” in appearance, aged between 25 and 35 years, of slim build, around 6ft tall, with short dark hair and clean shaven. He was described as wearing a dark hooded top, dark trousers and a dark jacket.

Detective Constable Debra Mackrell from Hackney said: “We believe the same man to be behind all three incidents and are appealing for anyone with information or any witnesses to come forward. We don’t wish to alarm people but would like to advise you to take care if you are walking alone after dark.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, quoting reference CR4632140/15, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.