Detectives investigating three sexual offences in Finchley are further appealing for witnesses and information following a fourth incident on Friday 28 October.

The incidents have occurred during a ten-day period on lone women in their 20’s and 30’s in the area of Finchley Central, N3.

The first two assaults happened on Wednesday 19 October, at 18:15hrs on Elm Park Road, and 20:00hrs on Clifton Avenue. In the Clifton Avenue assault, the victim made off before any sexual assault took place.

A third assault took place on Sunday 23 October, at around 22:50hrs on Essex Park.
A fourth assault took place on Friday 28 October as a woman was walking in parkland in the Briar House Estate Trust, close to The Avenue, between 12.30 and 12.50pm.

On all occasions the women have been approached by a man from behind, who has then covered their mouths. On three occasions the suspect ordered the victims to remain quiet, before touching them in a sexual manner. On one occasion he threatened harm to one of the victims before carrying out the assault.

All of the victims have screamed and resisted the suspect, causing him to run off.

The suspect has been described as of tanned complexion, likely to be either dark-skinned European/Arabic, or light-skinned Asian in appearance. He is believed to be in his mid 30’s, 5ft 8inches to 6ft tall, of a slim build and smelling of cigarette smoke. He is described as wearing jeans with black formal type shoes. During the 28 October incident, he was wearing a T-shirt.

Detectives from the Barnet Sapphire Unit are investigating.

Detective Inspector Caroline Haines said:

“Despite these attacks taking place on side streets around Finchley Central and West Finchley underground stations, we understand that there may be a number of potential eyewitnesses.

“We urge anyone who may have information regarding all four assaults to speak to us, and any other women who may have been attacked in a similar manner, to come forward and speak to our specialist team.

“It is possible that eyewitnesses may not have realised the nature of the assaults in the belief that they were some kind of dispute, which did not need public or police intervention.

“The reality is that these women have gone through a frightening experience, and I urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to come forward and speak to us.”

Superintendent Bennett of Barnet Police added

“The report of a fourth incident last Friday is deeply concerning. We continue to work closely with specialist units to focus on solving this series of offending. Our top priority is to protect and reassure our residents, and do everything we can to help make them safe.”

Superintendent Neil Seabridge of Barnet police said:

“I want to reassure our community that we are working very hard and using all resources available to us in order to catch this man.

“We are working hand in hand with specialist departments to ensure all our collective expertise is focused in this investigation.

“Currently police are undertaking additional patrols to protect and reassure you – as always your safety is of the utmost importance.

“If you have any concerns, or would like personal safety advice please contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team, they are there to provide you with help and reassurance.

“We would also remind you to keep vigilant and contact us if you hear or see anything suspicious and in an emergency you should always dial 999.

“It is important that we all work together to keep our community safe, assistance from the public can be vital in cases like this and anyone can contact us in the knowledge that information to police is always treated with discretion and your confidence respected.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 0208 733 5032; or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

+ A man in his 30’s was arrested on 28 October in Finchley in connection with the incidents. He has been bailed to return at the end on November pending further investigation.

+ Police are also reminding the community of the following advice to stay safe:

There are many things you can do to make yourself safer and more confident when out on the streets of London.

If you are approached and feel threatened and cannot immediately move away…

= Be vocal and try to alert and involve others around you. Feel confident and assertive enough to say “Don’t touch me”, “No”, “Stop”, “Go away”. If using simple verbal commands doesn’t work, you have the option of using as much force as you can to get away, so long as it’s reasonable to the threat.

= Be assertive. When you’re out and about look purposeful. Assertiveness in the way you behave reduces any perceived vulnerability.

= Plan for emergencies. Carry a charged mobile phone and some cash, and tell someone where you’re going. Discuss with friends what to do if something were to go wrong.

= Trust your instincts. They are there to warn you of potential risks, e.g. avoid short cuts down alleys and across parks and move away from suspicious people. Have faith in your intuition and act on it.

= Be aware. Using a mobile phone, wearing a hood and loud personal music all affect your awareness of the surroundings. Don’t draw attention to your valuables (e.g. mobile phone, jewellery). Also, face oncoming traffic when you’re walking to prevent being approached from behind.

= Be alert. Alcohol and drugs will reduce inhibitions and reaction times and will also make it harder to assess risks and take effective steps to cope with them.

= Safety in numbers. Try to travel with people you know. When you can, stick to routes where other people are and avoid short cuts in lonely places.