An image of a man wanted for questioning over a series of sexual assaults on schoolgirls has been released by investigators.

Four girls aged between 13 and 17 were targeted in Greenwich, southeast London, amid growing fears the incidents are linked.

Now the Metropolitan Police has released an image of a man they want to question about the assaults.

The first happened on 16 December when a girl, 13, got off a 229 bus on Crossway, near the junction of Hoverton Road.

A man followed her before sexually touching her, then ran away when the victim screamed.

On 12 January a 16-year-old girl was approached by a man in Poplar Place asking for directions before he pushed her against a fence and attacked her.

She screamed and managed to escape.

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The following day a 17-year-old girl was trailed as she got off the 422 bus in Artillery Place.

A man followed her to a nearby property, grabbing the back of her leg and causing her to fall – before assaulting her as she lay on the floor.

He fled the scene after the teen shouted for help.

The final incident happened the following week, 16 January, when a girl, 16, was walking down Kentlea Road.

A man asked for directions then attacked her before she had a chance to run away.

#Update 🚨

An update from Safer Schools Sergeant Geoff Warren of the two linked incidents of sexual assault against girls in Greenwich Borough.

Anyone with information please Direct Message on here or tweet @MetCC

Read more below👇@Royal_Greenwich pic.twitter.com/XxrdYaCksK

Earlier inquiries led police to link the incidents on 12 and 13 January.

There will now be an increased police presence in the area.

Safer schools sergeant, Geoff Warren, said in a statement: “Enquiries have led us to believe the same suspect committed both sexual assaults.

“Although I do not wish to cause alarm to anyone I feel it is important for parents, guardians and children to be aware of these incidents and take reasonable measures to ensure our children are safe.”

He urged people to stick to busy, well-lit areas if possible and urged anyone who feels uncomfortable by someone’s actions to call police: “You will not be wasting our time and we will take your call seriously.”

Detective Sergeant James Robinson, who is leading the investigation, called on anyone with information to come forward.

“We know these incidents will cause concern within the community and we are doing all we can to identify the person responsible.

“We are also asking for your help – if you recognise the man in this image or have any information that could assist us, no matter how small, then contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can help is urged to call police on 101 quoting reference 2916/21JAN22.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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