Police hunt sex attacker targeting girls as young as 13 on London buses
POLICE are hunting for a man who is wanted in connection with a series of sexual assaults on buses on victims as young as 13.
At least five women have reported being groped and assaulted on public transport
At least five women have reported being groped and assaulted on public transport in Lewisham and Southwark area, with the first incident taking place on January 24.
Around 9.30pm officers were called to the number 12 bus, in Dulwich, after a woman reported a man touching her inappropriately.
The 22-year-old was on her way home when the suspect deliberately sat next to her, ignoring a choice of free seats on the bus, and tried to engage her in small talk.
As she got up to move to a different part of the bus he sexually assaulted her.
From another seat, she then witnessed the same man approach another victim, a 17-year-old girl, who challenged him.
Both incidents were reported to the driver and the man promptly left the bus, getting off at Barry Road, Dulwich.
The suspect allegedly struck again three days later, while on the 176 bus around 3.15pm.
Another 17-year-old girl was on the bus when what is believed to be the same man got on, and sat opposite her.
Police are treating these incidents as linked
We are keen to trace the suspect carrying out these despicable attacks
After attempting to strike up a conversation, he intentionally fell onto her and sexually assaulted her.
Later that day, on January 27, around 5pm a 13-year-old girl also reported bing sexually assaulted while on the 363 bus.
And another 13-year-old reported a man on the number 197 bus, near Dulwich Library, trying to chat to her which made her feel uncomfortable.
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Around 5.40pm, while on the 171 bus near Catford train station, the suspect is thought to have moved from another part of the bus to sit near a 15-year-old girl.
He sat opposite her and tried to touch her knee, feeling frightened she got off the bus but the man followed her, tried to engage her in conversation before groping her.
She then ran away.
The first incident took place on January 24.
Police are treating these incidents as linked and are appealing to the pubic for help tracking him down.
DC Alex Price from the Met's Road and Transport Policing Command said: "We are keen to trace the suspect carrying out these despicable attacks on young girls and women in public.
“Five victims have been targeted by this man and we believe there could be many more victims who are yet to come forward."
Police are appealing to the pubic for help tracking him down
The suspect is described as a black man in his early 20s, with short black hair and facial stubble.
He was wearing blue baggy jeans and a black bomber jacket with a white fur trim.
Members of the public are advised not to approach the male if spotted but to call 999. To give information about the man pictured please call 101.
To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.