AN innocent mum is being terrorised by a stranger who cut her face nine times during a series of daylight attacks in Bromley town centre.

He is systematically targeting the middle-aged mum and despite intensive investigations the campaign of fear and violence has left Bromley police baffled.

The man, who is a stranger to his victim, has launched at least four attacks in less than three years on the woman, always in Bromley town centre in broad daylight.

In the latest incident, on March 18, this year, he cut the woman across the face nine times. It is not know what weapon the man used.

The happily-married mother has no idea who the man is, or why she is being targeted, and police are equally baffled.

Previous strikes include an assault on October 5, 1999, after which he sped away on a dark red mountain bike.

On November 7, the man sprayed a substance similar to CS gas in the woman's face and, on May 2, 2002, he attacked her from behind and cut her across the face nine times. The victim has also been burgled and received suspicious phone calls during the last three years.

CID officer Detective Sergeant Richard Godefroy said he had never experienced a case with a similar degree of mystery. "We have done lots of checks and investigation to find out who is doing this and why, but we don't know. It's extremely unusual the person and reason are unknown and it's been sustained over this length of time.

"The victim is a happily-married, ordinary woman who has no idea why this is happening. This series of attacks taken as a whole would frighten anyone.

"We hope someone will see the e-fit and recognise this man and would appeal for them to contact us."

The attacker (pictured in e-fit left) is described as aged about 25 to 30, around 5ft 10in tall, with grey/green eyes and is of slim build. He is not believed to pose a danger to the public. Anyone with information should call Det Sgt Godefroy on 020 8649 0731.

swarden@london.newsquest.co.uk

July 16, 2002 12:00