New image of sex attacker (From Croydon Guardian)

New image of sex attacker

2:05pm Tuesday 29th April 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

Police have released a new artist's impression of a man wanted over a Whyteleafe sex assault following new leads from a Crimewatch programme.

More than 30 people called in after watching the reconstruction aired last Thursday giving police new information and a number of names to follow up.

Two women were assaulted as they walked along the A22 Godstone Road near the Whyteleafe Tavern about 10.30pm on December 8.

The victims, aged 19 and 21, were approached from behind by a man who pulled the older victim to the ground and punched her in the side of the face.

He then punched the teenage victim to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

Both girls fought back and the attacker ran off in the direction of Wapses Lodge.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his late 20s or early 30s, between 5ft 6in and 6ft tall, of muscular build with dark collar-length hair which was sticking out from under a cream-coloured beanie hat.

He was wearing a dark-coloured coat and one witness reported he was wearing shorts.

Detective Inspector Juliet Parker said a new artist's impression had been produced showing the suspect without his hat.

She hoped the latest image would trigger people's memories.

"During the programme our appeal for information relating to this attack received the most amount of calls," D Insp Parker said.

"Information is still coming in now and I would like to thank the members of public who have provided my team with a number of new and promising leads.

"Although the reconstruction has given us several positive lines of enquiry to pursue, as yet the gentleman who called in claiming to be the suspect stating he would hand himself in has not done so.

"However, this has not been ruled out of the investigation and enquiries are continuing.

"I would appeal to anyone else out there who has information regarding this assault, and who has not yet contacted Surrey Police, to do so immediately or call Crimestoppers anonymously. With your help we can ensure this man is brought to justice."

Police are still appealing for the boy who was riding a BMX and spoke to the victims just before the assault to come forward. He is described as white, D Insp Parker added: "This young man asked the two victims for a cigarette and then said he would see them at the BP garage. I desperately need this lad to come forward as I believe he is a key witness and could potentially have crucial information which will help my investigation."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Constable Oana King or D Insp Parker at Caterham CID on 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.