Clapham Sex Attacks: Police Arrest Fourth Man, 24, Over String Of Nine Attacks In South London

Police Arrest Fourth Man, 24, Over String Of Nine South London Sex Attacks

Police investigating nine linked sex attacks in south London have arrested a 24-year-old man - the fourth man to be arrested over the assaults which have taken place within the last month.

The attacks, across Clapham and Brixton, have all involved women in their 20s and 30s, and have often occurred within hours of each other. The victims have all described the offender as being of Mediterranean or middle-eastern appearance with dark hair.

Police had already arrested three men in connection with the attacks, but on Tuesday announced a fourth arrest. Two of the men have been bailed pending further inquiries and the other remains in custody.

CCTV footage was released from one of the attacks

Officers have not ruled out that "copycat' offenders might be carrying out the crimes.

Commander Simon Letchford told the Mirror Online: "It may well be that we have one attacker, it may well be that we have copycat individuals, but we certainly will keep an open mind."

On Sunday detectives announced they were investigating a ninth attack which had occurred in Edithna Street, Clapham.

Police were called shortly after 5.40pm after a woman was approached by a man who then began touching her. The man, whose description matched those of similar assaults, fled in the direction of Landor Road.

Chief Inspector Tony Hirst said on Sunday: "At this early stage, it is being linked to the previous eight assaults.

"I would like to reassure the public that we have increased police patrols in Clapham and Brixton Hill areas. Detectives continue to study CCTV and are following up a number of active leads."

Nine woman have been attacked, often within hours of each other

Hirst urged women in the area to take "sensible precautions", like being aware of their surroundings and those around them.

He said: "If you feel uneasy about an individual or situation, trust your instincts. Always call police if you feel in danger."

The eight previous assaults have seen lone women targeted late at night in residential areas.

The offences began in Clapham on Friday October 9. A 23-year-old woman was grabbed on Clitheroe Road and assaulted.

Early the following morning, a man tried to engage a 30-year-old woman in conversation before grabbing her on Deauville Court.

On October 22, a 32-year-old victim was followed along Trent Road by a man who put his hand up her dress.

Three attacks were reported in as many hours on Monday evening, involving women aged 35, 28 and 26.

The youngest of those victims was recorded on CCTV being approached from behind by a suspect as she tried to enter her home.

Two more attacks, which both happened on Wednesday evening, targeted a 28-year-old woman and another woman aged 31.

A 34-year-old man who was arrested by detectives investigating a possible link between eight sexual assaults was released on bail on Saturday. The suspect, from Lambeth, south London, who was detained on Thursday, has been bailed to a date in December, Scotland Yard said.

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old who was arrested on Tuesday has been bailed to return to a south London police station in November pending further inquiries. A third man, 32, remains in custody.

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