TV appeal over serial sex attacker

The suspect has been linked to seven attacks using DNA evidence

Police hunting a sex attacker who is believed to have broken into the homes of nearly 80 elderly women in the past decade are appealing for information on BBC TV's Crimewatch UK programme.

A 78-year-old woman is thought to be the man's latest victim after she was hit in the face in a struggle with a burglar at her home in Dulwich, south east London, in March.

Twenty-six of his victims, aged 68 to 92, were sexually assaulted, including three rapes.

Police say the man struck first in Shirley, Croydon, on 13 October 1992 when he raped an 84-year-old woman.

The man breaks in while the women are asleep, removes lightbulbs, cuts phone lines and shines a torch in his victims' faces.

Officers believe that although he burgles his victims' homes, the man is largely motivated by a sexual interest in the elderly.

A £10,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to an arrest.

Crimewatch UK is on BBC1 at 2100 BST.