Detectives leading the manhunt for a serial rapist and burglar are investigating a recent attack on a woman in her 80s.

The team heading Operation Minstead believe the man, who preys on elderly women, may have struck again.

Although the pensioner was not sexually assaulted officers say there are "certain similarities" with previous incidents.

If confirmed, it will be the latest in a sickening 12-year crime spree across six south London boroughs including Croydon, and Shirley in particular.

After his first attack in October 1992, no incidents were reported until 1997, and after a particularly vicious rape in August 1999, he stopped until October 2002.

The hunt for the Minstead attacker linked to 84 offences is the largest the Metropolitan Police has ever conducted for a sex offender.

Thought to be a light-skinned black man, between 5ft 9in and 6ft tall, he is described as having an athletic build, is in his late 20s to early 40s and softly-spoken.

Always wearing black or dark clothing, including gloves and a balaclava, he carries a torch which he shines in his victims' eyes.

The Met confirmed that detectives from Operation Minstead are investigating the latest incident, a burglary in Oak Tree Gardens, Bromley, in the early hours of Tuesday, September 7.

No details were being made available but a Met Police spokesman said: "Though there are certain similarities to the Minstead offences, at this early stage there is no definitive confirmation that this incident is linked and we must retain an open mind.

"The occupant, a woman in her 80s, was not sexually assaulted."