Sex attacker's 77 raids

A burglar and serial sex attacker who targets elderly women has struck twice more, taking his total to 77 assaults and break-ins in 11 years, police said today.

The latest two burglaries were on the homes of women aged 78 and 82.

The assailant, who wears a balaclava and an all-in-one black catsuit, was confronted by one victim whom he knocked to the ground.

The woman, a widow, received injuries to her face before the man searched the flat stealing jewellery, including the victim's engagement ring.

Today detectives engaged in the Met's biggest investigation of its kind, Operation Minstead, issued an urgent appeal to help catch him. They revealed a potentially crucial new clue after finding a shoe print the suspect left when he committed an offence in the Shirley area of Croydon.

The print reveals the suspect wore a pair of size10 Nike Air "Terra Contego" trainers.

Police believe the man carried out two further attacks in recent days, one on a woman in Catford last Thursday and another on Saturday. The victim of the weekend attack said he was black, about 5ft 11ins, wearing smooth dark clothing which felt like satin. He also had on white gloves and a balaclava.

He is aged between 25 and 40, of athletic build and is softly spoken. Detectives believe he could have links to Shirley where a significant number of attacks have taken place.

Forensic psychologists brought in by the Operation Minstead inquiry team describe the suspect as a gerontophile - a person sexually obsessed with elderly women. The man first struck in 1992 and since then he has raped two pensioners. He has carried out more than 20 indecent assaults and 40 burglaries. His victims have been aged between 69 and 93.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Morgan, who is leading the hunt, today issued a direct appeal to the suspect, saying: "You know what you are doing is wrong.

"We believe you need help. How would you feel if someone did this to your mother or a member of your family?"

Mr Morgan added: "I would ask if anyone recognises the description of this man or you know who he is, do not hesitate to contact us. If the person concerned is not involved he can be quickly eliminated from our inquiries".

The sexual assaults have taken place around Addiscombe, Shirley and Warlingham.

Detectives believe the man carries out careful research on his victims. He breaks into f lats and houses through ground floor windows before disconnecting the phone and unscrewing light bulbs.

Anyone with information should ring police on 020 8649 1556 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.