Police search for rape suspect from relatives' DNA

Relatives of a man wanted over the alleged rape of two "very vulnerable women" four years apart in south-east London are being sought through a national DNA database as detectives try to identify the attacker.

The Met said the first attack took place near the Thames Path in Thamesmead in May 2020, while the second happened in June 2024 in a derelict area in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood.

Officers are working through a list provided by the National Crime Agency of men who share familial DNA with the suspect and are travelling the country to obtain voluntary samples from those who could be biologically related to the suspect.

CCTV images have been re-released of a man police want to speak to.

Det Ch Insp Zoe Hendrick 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."

Detectives followed up all the information they were given as a result of the previous public appeal, but were unable to identify the suspect, Hendrick said.

She added that she hoped with the passage of time, people who know something may feel different about coming forward.

"People with circumstances that might have changed, or they might feel now that they can divulge information, or they might see this appeal for the first time," she said.

"I'd just like to encourage anyone to come forward."

Anyone who recognises the man or has relevant information can call police on 101, or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk