Ben McPartland A MANHUNT is under way for a serial sex attacker preying on lone women late at night. In the space of just three hours in the early hours of Tuesday March 31, the suspect tried to rape three young women in the King s Cross and Euston areas.

Ben McPartland

A MANHUNT is under way for a serial sex attacker preying on lone women late at night.

In the space of just three hours in the early hours of Tuesday March 31, the suspect tried to rape three young women in the King's Cross and Euston areas.

He has also been linked to a serious sexual assault two days earlier in Marylebone High Street, when he tried to rape a 16-year-old girl.

Detectives from the Met's serious crime directorate are appealing for help in their attempts to track down the attacker before he strikes again.

They are also calling for other victims to come forward.

Investigating officer DCI Peter Lansdown said: "These are random attacks, which show a very concerning pattern of criminality.

"We appeal to any witnesses to these four attacks, or anyone with information that can assist this investigation, to contact police immediately."

The suspect began his assaults just after midnight when he grabbed a 24-year-old woman from behind in Prince of Wales Passage, just off Hampstead Road in Euston.

He tried to rape her but fled towards the Everton Buildings after possibly being disturbed by a passer-by.

Police are still hoping that passer-by will come forward to help the investigation.

Less than three hours later, at 2.45am, the man grabbed an 18-year-old by the wrist on Pentonville Road and dragged her into Killick Street, but again he was disturbed - this time by a resident - before he could rape the victim.

And half an hour later, he moved on to Bidborough Street, where he attempted to drag a 20-year-old woman into an alley between the Camden Centre and Camden library. This time the victim struggled free from her attacker's grip and fled.

Police say the suspect wore a white tracksuit during the attacks. He is a black man, around 5ft 7ins tall, of stocky build and has short dark hair. He spoke with a London/African accent.

DCI Lansdown said: "We want to hear from anyone who has information about that clothing or thinks they know who committed these offences or know of his whereabouts."

Anyone with any information should call the incident room on 020-8358 0200, or 0207 230 8666 out of hours.

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The public should not approach the man. In the event of a sighting, call 999.