Jogger attacker may strike again

Police are planning a reconstruction of the stabbing

Detectives say the woman jogger stabbed in a London park managed to run for 100 metres after being attacked.

Police revealed she was grabbed, kicked and stabbed by the hooded assailant who shouted abuse at the victim.

But - despite suffering from stab wounds - the 39-year-old woman broke free and was pursued until she was found by a passing doctor in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, north London.

Police, who are linking the attack to the murder of park jogger Margaret Muller in nearby Victoria Park in February, warn the attacker may strike again.

Detective Superintendent John Shatford, who is leading the hunt for the attacker, described the suspect as a "very, violent young man" who was "acting out his fantasies".

He added the similarities in the two cases meant it was likely the same man was responsible.

We have to be very realistic. Having acknowledged the similarities here, we are very, very concerned about what he may do next DCS Jon Shatford

Police have managed to speak to the latest victim after she underwent emergency surgery on a severed artery.

Mr Shatford gave details of the attack, which occurred at 1715 GMT on 5 December, in a news conference outside Clissold Park on Tuesday.

He said: "The attacker kicked out at her and was trying to grab her and was verbally abusing her all the time.

"Once he stabbed her he chased her. She describes running as fast as she could with all her might.

"She was conscious as she looked back that he was chasing her."

Mr Shatford said she collapsed and was found by the doctor 80 to 100 metres from where the attack took place near the lake on the west side of the park.

The killer of Margaret Muller was never found

Police believe the same man was responsible for the fatal attack on 26-year-old Ms Muller, in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets - less than two miles from Clissold Park.

Mr Shatford added: "In the two attacks, we have two parks that are very similar, even down to the area around the lakes where the attacks took place.

"The women were alone, dressed in jogging suits, there is no sexual motive, no robbery.

"This was purely for the sole gratification of the attacker. To think two people are carrying out the same fantasies is extremely unlikely.

Forensic teams are examining the scene at Clissold Park

"Having acknowledged the similarities here, we are very, very concerned about what he may do next."

Appealing for witnesses, he said the man may be acting suspiciously.

"He has carried out his fantasy and he may be excited by that.

"He could have an interest in news broadcasts or newspaper articles, and he could be talking about it."

The attacker is described as in his late teens or early 20s, slim with "teenage facial hair" and angular features.

He also wore a hooded top and had a rucksack at the time of the attack.

Mr Shatford also said the man knows the area very well and is probably a local man.

He said the lakes in the park are yet to be searched but the forensic examination of the park continues.