A violent assault on a teenager in Deptford has now been linked to two other attacks on women in south London, with police suggesting the motive behind the attacks is sexual.

The three women were all walking alone in the early hours of the morning, and were attacked within a four mile radius of each other.

A man attacked each victim from behind before physically assaulting them.
In the early hours of New Year’s Day an 18-year-old was assaulted in Deptford around Creekside and Deptford Church Street. She suffered serious injuries to her head and face.

Police were called to a south London hospital at 6.20am after the woman was taken in by family members.

This came after, on Friday December 4 last year, a 31-year-old woman was targeted in Commercial Way, Peckham, between 1.15am and 2.15am and left with a head injury.

And on Sunday December 13, a 30-year-old was found unconscious in the street by a passerby following an assault in Hanover Park, Peckham between 6.15am and 6.45am.

News Shopper:

A CCTV image taken from near the attack in Creekside/Deptford Church Street

Detective Chief Inspector Zena Marshall, from the serious case team, told News Shopper: “We believe that there was a sexual motive behind the attacks and have ruled out theft as items of value were left – no property was stolen.

“It was the suddenness and the level of violence in particular which led to us linking the crimes.

“We don’t want to put fear into people but women need to be aware. 

“Just be really aware of your surroundings, do not take shortcuts down dark alleyways and make sure you plan your way home before a night out.

“The attacks were unusual in that they were all quite sudden so the victim’s descriptions are quite limited.

“We do not have any witnesses and it was very busy at that time of the morning on New Year’s Day so we hope someone will come forward.

“Of the three attacks, the injuries to the Creekside victim was the most serious.”

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She added: "These attacks have all taken place on lone women, at times indicative of travelling after a night out.

"The level of violence appears to have escalated each time.

“I cannot rule out that there may be other offences. If you are a woman who has been approached or assaulted in circumstances that sound similar to these, but have not reported it to the police, then I would urge you to please get in touch with us."

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to identify and speak to in connection with the offences.

Anyone who feels they may have been victim to a similar but unreported attack, or any witnesses or anyone with any information is urged to call the investigation team on 020 8217 6541 or via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Keep safe:

  • Prepare and consider your travel arrangements carefully and ensure someone knows where you are going, who you are with and when you might be home.
  • Look as assertive as you can, walk with confidence and be aware of your surroundings and who is around you.
  • Avoid short cuts and dark isolated areas, vary your routine and be discreet handling cash, phones and wearing jewellery in a public place.
  • Never take your safety for granted and look after your friends so that they don’t become vulnerable. Remember your personal safety is more important than your phone or other valuables.
  • Keep your bags close to you and secured with zips closed. Check your belongings and your pockets regularly.
  • Wearing headphones and talking on the phone can make you unaware of your immediate surroundings - this makes you appear vulnerable and gives an advantage to a criminal.
  • If you feel uneasy about an individual or situation, trust your instincts and leave the area and head towards a public place such as a shop.