At least 22 women ‘sexually assaulted by teenage attacker’ while walking or jogging in London

The Met Police has released an E-FIT image of the suspect

A sex attacker is suspected of carrying out over 20 assaults on woman walking and jogging in east London, and police fear there could be further attacks that have gone unreported. In all 22 incidents, "the description of the suspect and his actions have been very similar", the Met Police said in a statement Thursday, as they released an E-FIT image of the suspect they are seeking. In each attack, lone women, who were either out walking or jogging, in the Hackney Marshes area, were approached by a male on a bicycle who has grabbed their buttocks from behind, or touched their genitals. Police said he's then made inappropriate comments before riding off. The incidents took place between February to June, but the Met said it suspects there could be more attacks that have not been reported and is urging any women who has not spoken out to come forward. The person police are seeking is described as light skinned male, possibly mixed race, aged 16 to 17, who is usually wearing a grey tracksuit. Detective Constable Hannah Rodericks said: "I understand this news may cause considerable concern among the community. "We in the Central East Command Unit share that concern and are doing everything we can to identify and bring to justice the person responsible. "It is imperative that he is identified but we need the public’s help." Police urge anyone with information about the attacks or the suspect to "make contact immediately" by calling 101 using reference 4216097/22. Alternatively they can tweet @MetCC, or if they want to remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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