Police hunting a serial sex attacker targeting women and girls in south-east London have confirmed another assault took place last week.

The victim, a 12-year-old girl, was attacked at about 7.30am on January 8 in Grierson Road, Honor Oak Park, at the junction with Gabriel Street.

The girl reported an attempted robbery, and police are linking this attack to the series of sex assaults.

Up to 26 attacks are now being linked, all of which have typically taken place during morning and evening rush hour in Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham.

The youngest victim is reported to be just eight years old.

News Shopper:

An EFit released by police 

The first attack dates back to October 2016, and police said they expect there are others that have gone unreported.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Furphy, of Lewisham police, leading the investigation, said: "We are aware that there might be further victims who have not yet spoken to police; if you are a victim, or know someone who has been a victim of a sexual assault, I can assure you your information will be treated with the strict confidence and sensitivity. We also have access to specialist support."

Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to trace, who is described as being a white man aged in his 40s, with blue eyes.

Plumstead Manor School, in Old Mill Road, shared a warning to parents and pupils as well last week after another reported attack.

A statement on the school's website said: "We have received further information from the local police regarding a series of sexual assaults on young school girls aged between 13-16 years of age on their way to and from school in the Greenwich and Lewisham boroughs.

"This has included an assault on a young person in the vicinity of our school around 8 o’clock in the morning just this week."

Police are continuing to appeal for information about this attacks.

DCI Furphy said: "These offences have been traumatic for the victims, all of whom have been young females going about their daily lives.

"There is a strong possibility that these incidents are part of a linked series of attacks as a number of victims have provided very similar descriptions of the attacker - a white man aged between 40 and 50.

"It is also notable that none of these offences have taken place over a weekend and many of them have been committed during the morning and evening rush hours

"Our officers have been working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect, but we need the public’s help. CCTV shows footage of a male that we would like to speak to who we believe may be able to assist our investigation. If this is you or if you know who this person is, please contact us."

DCI Furphy told News Shopper in November police had increased patrols in the areas where offences have been reported, and were keeping an open mind on whether the attacker's behaviour would escalate.

He said: "It is very hard for me to comment, but again we are keeping an open mind that if he is not caught his behaviour might escalate. That is not something we are not ruling out."

Anyone with information should contact the Met's incident room on 0208 284 8346, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.