Tuesday 4 October 2011

Police appeal: Wormwood Scrubs sex attacker

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following a series of sexual assaults in the Wormwood Scrubs park area, Scrubs Lane, NW10 during the summer period this year.

One of the assaults took place on Sunday 11th September in the early evening when a female was walking her dog with her daughter along a path in the wooded area on the northern side of Wormwood Scrubs. The female heard screams coming from the open area of the park. Approximately 15minutes later she was approached by a male who appeared in an agitated state, he asked the female for the time and then ran off. A few minutes later the male ran back towards the females however made no physical contact. The female left the area fearing for her safety.

Another incident took place on Wednesday 31st August between 6 and 7pm when a 16-year-old female was outside the main gate of Wormwood Scrubs Park. The female was followed out of the park whilst the male shouted obscenities. The female ran away.

Another incident took place on Friday 22nd July at about 6.30pm when a man was seen to be acting suspiciously in the open ground area of the park. The man appeared to be paying attention to female dog walkers, following them from a distance and staring at them.

The suspect is described as a black male, aged between 20 to 30years, wearing a baseball cap, loose trousers, possibly denim jeans, and a jean jacket.

Detective Chief Inspector Will Young from Hammersmith and Fulham Police said: "There have been a number of minor offences of a sexual nature within Wormwood Scrubs park and I would like to take this opportunity to remind users of the park to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. We have linked two offences and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward. This park is a low crime area but following a few basic crime prevention guidelines we can keep it this way. If possible keep to the open areas and be aware of your surroundings."

Anyone with information should contact your local police in the strictest confidence on 0208 246 2747 or call the non-emergency number 101. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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