Police warning to women after string of terrifying street sex attacks in north London

Police are warning women to stay alert after a spate of street sex attacks in north London.

The female victims claim they were grabbed and sexually assaulted by strangers as they walked alone in Barnet.

Five terrifying sex assaults – including three which happened in the space of just over a week – have been reported to police in recent months.

Detectives believe some of the attacks, which happened in areas Mill Hill and Edgware, could be linked.

On Thursday at 11.30pm a 23-year-old woman was attacked on Dollis Road, Mill Hill, by a man who sexually assaulted her from behind.

Just two days later, at around 9.30pm on Saturday, a 22-year-old woman was grabbed by a stranger who sexually assaulted her on Bittacy Hill after she got off a train.

Police are investigating and believe some of the assaults are linked. (Scotland Yard)
A woman, 52, was grabbed in a sex attack on September 23 at around 11.30pm on Tayside, before being let go.

On Friday, October 28, a 22-year-old woman was attacked at the junction of Broadfields Avenue and Harrowed Mead in Edgware but screamed and managed to push the man away.

Another attack happened on Sunday, November 20 when a woman, 38, was followed along Springwood Crescent before being attacked by the unknown man.

She managed to break free and ran off towards Bushfield Crescent.

Detectives believe the three Edgware attacks are linked, as are the two Mill Hill assaults.

Detective Constable Dan Levy, from Barnet CID, said: "We would encourage people to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. 

“When walking alone, keep to well lit and busy areas where possible. If you feel uneasy about an individual or situation, trust your instincts and leave the area and head towards a public place such as a shop.

"We would urge any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, either to police or to Crimestoppers anonymously. We would also appeal to any other victims to come forward and speak to police."