Suspect, 24, arrested by police over string of sex attacks on teen girls in Thamesmead

A 24-year-old suspected serial sex fiend has been arrested by police probing a string of attacks on teenage girls as young as 13.

Detectives have linked at least four sexual assaults in the Thamesmead area of Greemwich. Two of the victims were followed off buses.

Police say the youngest victim, aged 13, was molested on December 16 last year, and their have been three worryingly similar incidents since.

Det Insp John Millward, who is leading the investigation, said: “A man, aged 24, was arrested on Friday January 28 on suspicion of sexual assault.

“He was bailed to return on a date in early March, pending further enquiries.”

Det Insp Millward said the investigation remains “ongoing” and the local Safer Transport team will be continuing reassurance patrols in the area.

He added: “Our investigation is progressing, but we would continue to ask members of the public to remain vigilant.

“You will continue to see extra officers in our open spaces.”

The first attack happened on Thursday December 16 when a 13-year-old girl got off a Route 229 bus on Crossway, near the junction of Hoverton Road, in Thamesmead.

Police say she was followed off the bus by a man who sexually touched her before running off when she screamed.

On Wednesday, January 12, a 16-year-old girl was walking down Poplar Place when she was approached by a man asking for directions. He pushed her against a fence and sexually touched her before she screamed and he ran off.

The next day a 17-year-old girl was followed off a Route 422 bus. He followed her into a nearby property and grabbed the back of her leg, causing her to fall.

As she was on the floor he sexually touched her before fleeing when she screamed for help.

Five days later, a 16-year-old girl was walking down Kentlea Road in Thamesmead when she was approached by a man who asked for directions.

When she attempted to walk off, he sexually touched her.

Detectives believe the offences are linked, and want to speak to anyone with any information.