Warning over strangler

A stalker behind a series of strangulation attacks on lone women could kill if he strikes again, police warned today.

Detectives today issued an appeal to catch the man who has struck three times, leaving one women with severe facial injuries.

They released a CCTV image of a man who used the victim's stolen switch card to buy cigarettes at a petrol station minutes after the attack. Police urged the man or anyone who recognises him to contact them.

Extra patrols are being mounted in the area in Fulham where the attacks took place and women walking alone at night are urged to be vigilant. The attacks are characterised by sudden violence, with the man grabbing the women around the neck from behind in a stranglehold.

In the first attack a 26-year-old woman was grabbed as she walked to a friend's house after a dinner dance at Fulham Town Hall on 18 April. She bought a meal from a Kentucky Fried Chicken in North End Road and walked on to the junction with Archel Road where she was attacked. She quickly lost consciousness and her body was laid down between two cars where the suspect began to indecently assault her.

After being disturbed by a passing car, he dragged the woman into a basement and continued the attack while she was unconscious, beating her head against a wall.

A resident who had heard the woman scream dialled 999 and police arrived. The man ran off and the victim, covered in blood and half naked, staggered into the road where she was helped by passers-by.

The next assault was on 1 June at 12.50am when a 29-year-old woman was attacked in

Reporton Road off Munster Road. Her screams alerted two men who came to help and the suspect fled.

The third attack was shortly after midnight on Monday. A 30-yearold woman was seized in Haldane Road but the man was disturbed by a resident.

Detective Superintendent Sue Hill, who is leading the investigation, said: "It is vital we catch this man quickly. I fear he will strike again."

The suspect is white, in his twenties and has dark hair. Anyone with information should call the incident room on 0207 321 9251 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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