POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man robbed several residents at gunpoint on two consecutive nights.

Officers have only just released details of the five muggings, which took place in an area stretching from the Queen Mary and Westfield College in South Woodford to Monkhams Lane in Woodford Green.

Three of the five robberies took place between 11pm and the early hours of Monday, June 10, with the suspect targeting the other two victims between same times on the following night, Tuesday, June 11.

Police have only now released details of the attacks, following a series of investigations.

One of the cases involving a couple, who were robbed of their mobile phones, cash and a purse in the car park in Churchfields, was reported in the Guardian.

Explaining why they did not release information about the other incidents at the time, Sergeant Endure Money said: "Investigations were on-going and we didn't think it would have been appropriate to release anything at that point of time."

The robber, described as aged between 23 and 35 years, over FT tall and with short, black curly hair, is believed to have ordered each victim to hand over their mobile phones after approaching them with a silver handgun.

His first victim was a 19-year-old female student who was stopped near the college, followed by a young couple, both 17, in St. Brambles Road. Both victims lost their mobile phones.

The robber, who is said to be thin to medium-built and to speak with a London accent, then targeted a couple who had gone to retrieve their car from a carport in Churchyards after a night out. They were robbed of their mobile phones, cash and a purse in the car park.

His first victim on the following night was a couple who managed to escape unscathed even after admitting they had no phones. The robber's last victim was a man who was also forced to hand over his mobile phone in Manakins Lane.

Mr. Money added: "We were in the process of taking action against the first lot of robberies when the robber struck a second time in quick succession. We also had officers patrolling the area after the first night.

"We will obviously welcome any information regarding the incidents."

Anyone with any information about any of the incidents should ring DC Nick Larked on 8345 3466.

July 11, 2002 10:00