Serial sex attacker burgles pensioner

Serial sex attacker burgles pensioner

The suspect has been linked to seven attacks using DNA evidence

A 78-year-old woman is believed to be the latest victim of a man at the centre of London's largest serial sex attacker hunt.

The man is thought to have broken into the homes of nearly 80 elderly women across south London over the past 10 years.

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

The latest victim was hit in the face when she struggled with a burglar, who stole £10 in cash and jewellery from her home in the Kingswood Estate, Dulwich, south-east London on Saturday.

Detectives at Operation Minstead say he may be responsible for another burglary in Catford, south London last Thursday.

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

Three victims have gone to their graves not knowing who this man was or why this happened to them

Det Ch Insp Simon Morgan

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 gerontophilia, a sexual interest in the elderly.

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

Criminal profilers

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Morgan said: "Criminal profilers have told us that he has been able to control his urges.

"There have been gaps where that has happened but then it starts again.

"Three victims have gone to their graves not knowing who this man was or why this happened to them."

He made a direct appeal to the suspect to give himself up.