A "dangerous, calculating, predatory rapist", who raped a teenage girl and tried to attack another in Thamesmead, has been sentenced to 24 years behind bars.

Oluwadamilare Baiyewu, of no fixed address, was found guilty of multiple offences against two women after the attacks near Binsey Walk in December 2014.

He grabbed his first victim - a 17-year-old girl - after she got off the bus at around 7pm on December 9, 2014.

During a violent attack the 22-year-old put a knife to his victim's throat, threatened to kill her and forced her into a secluded area before raping her.

A week before in the same area, another 17-year-old was grabbed from behind and threatened with a knife.

As her attacker attempted to pull her into an underpass she managed to break free and run off.

Officers from the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse unit, recovered DNA from the rape victim which identified Baiyewu.

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After a manhunt he was arrested on December 16, 2014, before being charged with two counts of rape, kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.

Baiyewu was found guilty of all offences at Woolwich Crown Court on November 2, last year, and sentenced today (January 21) before the same court.

He will serve a minimum of 16 years in prison, before being on licence for a further eight years.

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DC Chris Hammond, from the Met Police, described Baiyewu as a "dangerous, calculating, predatory rapist", and praised the victims for their strength in pursuing a conviction.

He said: "Baiyewu volunteered at a local church, creating the image that he was a pillar of the community, which I believe was an attempt to mask his true nature as a sexual predator.

"The streets of Thamesmead are now a safer place without the presence of Baiyewu."

The 2014 attacks left the community living in fear, with neighbours scared to go out alone as police appealed for information to identify the attacker.

Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce urged Bexley Council to boost safety, and respond to residents' requests for CCTV and better lighting.

DC Hammond said Baiyewu refused to accept his guilt, despite the overwhelming evidence against him.

He added: "Baiyewu manipulated the legal system to cause two trials to be adjourned which caused both victims further distress.

"Thankfully their will to see Baiyewu pay for his crimes enabled the trial to proceed at the third attempt and Baiyewu was rightly convicted of all charges."

Officers are appealing to anyone else who feels they may have been a victim of Oluwadamilare Baiyewu to contact them via 101.