Extensive DNA enquiries underway to identify south London rapist

Enquiries to identify a man responsible for raping two women in south London has taken detectives across the country, collecting DNA samples.

The independent charity Crimestoppers is also offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information passed to them anonymously which leads to the conviction of the man responsible.

Over two years ago, on Wednesday, 19 June 2024 Met officers launched an investigation following the rape of a woman in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood.

The suspect is seen on CCTV to lead the vulnerable victim to a derelict area and a short time later, she contacted police to report she had been raped. Further enquiries connected the suspect captured within the CCTV footage to a similar offence involving another vulnerable woman near the Thames Path in Thamesmead in May 2020.

The victims have continued to be supported by specialist Met officers and partner agencies.

Momentum behind this complex investigation has remained ongoing, with detectives carrying out extensive enquiries using DNA matched from the scenes of both investigations.

A team of dedicated officers have been working through a list of men who share familial DNA to rule out or highlight potential suspects. This familial DNA list was compiled by the National Crime Agency who have been supporting with this investigation.

Officers have travelled to locations across the country, to obtain voluntary evidential samples from members of the public who could potentially be biologically related to the suspect.

Investigating officers are also recirculating a photo of a man, who they would like to speak with in connection with the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Hendrick, who is leading the investigation said: “This man has targeted two very vulnerable women, raping them in daylight hours in residential areas.

“Investigations of this nature are extremely rare and our priority since the launch of the first investigation has been to support the victims and identify the man responsible.

“In addition to the DNA enquiries, we previously issued an image of a man who we would like to speak with in connection with these investigations. We are recirculating these images in the hope that someone may recognise him and assist with our enquiries.

“The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information they receive anonymously that leads to the conviction of the man responsible.”

Alexa Loukas, Regional Manager for Greater London at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “This is a deeply concerning case, and someone may hold information that could make a vital difference. Contacting Crimestoppers is completely anonymous: no names, no statement and no court appearance. We don’t want to know who you are, just what you know. If you recognise the man or know anything about these incidents, please tell our charity. It could help bring justice for the victims and prevent further harm against other women and girls.”

If you recognise this man or have any information that could assist the investigation, please call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and give reference CAD 3842/30JUN2026

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers.uk.org. Crimestoppers does not ask for personal details and cannot trace IP addresses.

Claiming a reward: The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling us on 0800 555 111. If you contact the charity via our online form anonymously, the ‘Keep in Contact’ portal must be used, and a reward code requested on your initial contact with us.