Police release CCTV image in hunt for sex attacker who has assaulted FOUR schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 over a month in south east London

 Police investigating a string of sexual assaults on schoolgirls in Greenwich have released CCTV in an urgent appeal to track down the attacker. 

Three girls were sexually assaulted within just six days of each other in the south east London borough a week ago. 

Last week a 16-year-old in school uniform had been sexually assaulted in Thamesmead at 5.30pm on Wednesday, January 12.

Officers say a man approached her to ask for directions before pushing her against a fence and sexually touching her. She screamed and was able to run away. 

The next day, a 17-year-old was followed off a 422 bus around 7.45pm and sexually assaulted just three miles away in nearby Woolwich town centre.

On Tuesday, 18 January, another 16-year-old girl was walking down a road near HMP Belmarsh when she was approached by a man who asked for directions.

As she attempted to walk away, he sexually touched her before she was able to escape.

Another 13-year-old victim was attacked after she was followed off her bus in December 16. 

Scotland Yard today released an image of a man wearing a black hood and face mask that they want to locate in connection with the incidents.

Three girls were sexually assaulted within just six days of each other in the south east London borough a week ago. Another 13-year-old victim was attacked after she was followed off her bus in December 16, just half a mile away from a later incident

DS James Robinson, who is leading the investigation, said: 'We know these incidents will cause concern within the community and we are doing all we can to identify the person responsible.

'We are also asking for your help – if you recognise the man in this image or have any information that could assist us, no matter how small, then contact us as soon as possible.' 

Enquiries led the Met Police to link the two attacks and believe they were carried out by the same suspect. 

Investigators also believe a December 16 assault on a 13-year-old girl who was followed off a 229 bus before being sexually touched is also connected to the string of incidents.

A day after one assault, a 17-year-old was followed off a 422 bus around 7.45pm and sexually assaulted just three miles away in nearby Woolwich town centre

Investigators also believe a December 16 assault on a 13-year-old girl who was followed off a 229 bus before being sexually touched on Hoveton Road is also connected to the string of incidents

Safer Schools Sergeant Geoff Warren, of the South East BCU, offered safety advice in a letter so parents and guardians can 'take reasonable measures to ensure our children are safe'.

He said: 'If you feel uncomfortable by someone's actions do not hesitate to call 999 on your mobile. You will not be wasting our time and we will take your call seriously.

'Where possible, keep to busy, well-lit areas.

'I would like to say again that I do not intend to cause any unnecessary worry and that incidents like this are rare.

'We are taking the matter extremely seriously and there will be an increased police presence in the area.'

Greenwich Council said it was 'truly appalled' by the incidents and is 'working closely with the police to do everything in our power to bring the perpetrator to justice'.

It added in a statement: 'Thanks to the bravery of the victims, who managed to get away and later contacted the authorities, we have an idea of what the perpetrator looks like.'

Anyone with information should call 101 with CAD reference 2916/21JAN22 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.