05 Sep, 2017 11:46 News

Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with an on-going investigation into two linked sexual assaults on young girls.

The assaults took place in Claygate and Ewell around one month apart and are believed to have been carried out by the same suspect.

On 10 July at around 4.30pm, a 15-year-old girl was riding a bicycle along the Hogsmill River estate in Ewell when she was approached by a man. He pushed her off her bike and sexually assaulted her. The victim was able fight the man off and he ran away in the Ewell direction.

On 17 August around 5.30-5.50pm a 10-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a man in a wooded area in Claygate while walking to her friend’s house. The victim was able to break away from the man and run to a place of safety.

Officers have now released CCTV of a man in a bid to identify him. In the images he is seen on Stevens’ Lane at the junction of Hill View Road, the entrance to Ruxley Heights private estate, near to Berkeley Gardens on 17 August at 5.53pm. He then runs out of Ruxley Heights onto Stevens’ Lane in the Chessington direction at 5.56pm.

Were you near the Stevens’ Lane area of Claygate on this day - did you see the man in the CCTV footage? Or do you recognise who he is from the image? If so, please contact police as a matter of urgency. 

Detective Chief Inspector Jo Hayes from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, who is leading the investigation, said:  “We need to identify this person as soon as possible. If you know who he is or if this person is you, I urge you to contact police either by calling 101 or attending your nearest police station. You can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers. 

“We have DNA of the man we’d like to speak to so can easily rule people out of our enquiries from any names provided to us. Enquiries remain underway and it is only a matter of time until we find the person responsible for these attacks.

“The two incidents have understandably been very concerning for the local communities and are being investigated as a priority. We have had a great response from members of the public to our previous appeals and I would like to thank everyone for all their assistance so far.

“Local neighbourhood teams are continuing with enquiries around the areas concerned and officers have also increased patrols in the vicinity of both assaults.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45170090450, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also report information online at https://report.police.uk/.