Police are investigating three serious sexual assaults which they believe to be linked.

Two women were raped, there was one attempted rape and one woman reported a robber who made sexual advances towards her, Met Police said. The incidents all happened in Newham and Waltham Forest.

Detectives released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to earlier this week and are continuing to appeal for help to trace this man. The image was captured on a bus in Plaistow shortly before a woman was raped in Plaistow South area in Newham.

In this first incident, a 35-year-old woman was walking home when she was approached from behind by a man, who then raped her. He also stole property belonging to her.

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It happened on Monday, 1 July at 2.40am, according to police.

The second incident occurred five days later on Saturday (July 6) at 3.25am, near Leyton Underground Station.

A woman was followed by a man and then robbed. The male also made sexual advances towards her.

The third incident occurred about an hour later at 4.20am.

A 31-year-old woman was approached by a man at Amethyst Road, Waltham Forest, and the man then raped and robbed her.

Read more: Rapes and robberies in Waltham Forest and Plaistow linked

In the fourth incident, police were called at around 3.30am on Thursday, 11 July to Central Park Road, East Ham.

A woman, aged 31, reported she was followed by a man who threatened her and attempted to rape her. She was also robbed.

Due to the similarities in these attacks, detectives from the Met's North East Command Unit are treating the incidents as linked.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Packer said: "These incidents have been deeply traumatic for the victims, who are being supported by specialist officers. My teams are completing a detailed review of all the facts available so far. In addition to a dedicated investigation team we have extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance and these officers are actively seeking to arrest this suspect.

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“Please have a good look at this photo and let my officers know if you have any idea as to who this man is.

“I would advise any women walking alone at night to remain vigilant, to be mindful of their surroundings, and to keep family and friends informed of where they may be going. If you see anything you think is suspicious, do not hesitate - call 999 immediately."

Anyone who can identify the man is asked to call the investigation team on 07881 330951.

Alternatively call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 777/1 July. You can call anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111