Police want to speak to this man following a string of sexual assaults in the Acton area.
Detectives are investigating four offences in the area between the beginning of January and the end of March which they now believe may be linked.
On Tuesday (April 12) they released this CCTV image of a man they are seeking in connection with an assault on Wednesday, March 9.
The 24-year-old victim was walking from East Acton tube station on Wednesday, March 9, between 10.25pm and 10.40pm, when the attack happened.
She was approached from behind by a man, who grabbed her and assaulted her before fleeing the scene, police said.
The suspect is described as being of white or Asian appearance, aged 20-32, 6ft, of slim build and with dark hair.
Suspect wore a dark parka-type coat
He wore a dark parka-type coat with a fur-trimmed hood, and shoes with light-coloured soles.
Officers are looking at the possibility this assault may be linked to three others in the area.
The first took place on Sunday, January 3, when an 18-year-old woman walking along St Andrew's Road, W3, listening to music was grabbed from behind by someone who reached round to her chest. The victim struggled and her attacker fled the scene.
The second assault happened on Thursday, February 4, when a 38-year-old woman walking along Trinity Way, W3, away from some shops, was grabbed by someone who made suggestive comments before fleeing.
The third incident happened along Hoylake Road, Acton, on Monday, March 25.
A 27-year-old woman was walking home from East Acton Tube station and was on her phone when a man grabbed her and assaulted her before running away.
Women advised to be vigilant
Police said the incidents were initially being investigated separately but have been linked following intelligence work.
Detectives, who are keeping an open mind regarding the suspect, and any motive, have advised women to be vigilant, especially when walking home from tube stations and whilst using their mobile phones or whilst wearing headphones.
They have also appealed for anyone who may have been the victim of any unreported attack - violent or otherwise - to contact them.
Detective Inspector Ash Hornsby, who is leading the investigation said: "It is essential we identify and speak to the man in the CCTV image. I would ask the public to look carefully at the image and, if anyone recognises the male, or has any information as to who he is, or where he can be found, to contact us immediately.
"I would also urge anyone who was in any of these locations on the days and times of these offences and who may have seen any assault or anything suspicious to get in touch.
"Equally, if anyone has been the victim of an as yet unreported assault then they are urged to contact police."
Anyone with information is asked to call the investigating team on 020 7161 9702 or via 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
PERSONAL SAFETY ADVICE
- 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.
For further advice visit the Metropolitan Police website or the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website .
