Police have released information about a series attack they believe may be linked
by Flora Drury
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
2:51 PM
Walkers in Haringey’s parks are once again finding themselves victims of a violent man – just six weeks after the jailing of a killer who stalked the very same areas.
Five apparently motiveless attacks have taken place in Highgate Wood, Queens Wood and Alexandra Park in May and June – and police are now looking into whether another assault in Belmont Recreation Ground, South Tottenham, on March 28 could be linked.
All the victims – save the 50-year-old woman attacked at 10.30pm in Belmont Recreation Ground – were approached by a lone man, thought to be between 20 to 35 years old, during the afternoon.
The details released by police on Tuesday are chillingly close to the details of the Ali Koc case, who was jailed for a minimum of 35 years in May for the murders of two pensioners as they walked through Alexandra Park and Queens Wood, as well as attacks on a further five men in parks around the borough.
The attacks, carried out with lumps of wood in January last year, were also apparently motiveless and also happened during daylight hours.
But this new attacker does not use a weapon and does not just target men.
Last Thursday, June 28, a 40-year-old woman was hit in the face in Alexandra Park. She was taken to hospital for treatment to swelling to her face.
Just two days later, on Saturday, a 15-year-old boy was also assaulted in Alexandra Park. He was taken to hospital for treatment to an injury to his stomach.
The two attacks followed three assaults in the previous six weeks. In the first, on Wednesday, May 2, a 59-year-old man was hit on the head in Highgate Wood.
Ten days later, on Saturday, May 12, a 41-year-old man was assaulted in Queens Wood and was taken to hospital with injuries to his stomach. Then on Friday, June 15, a 67-year-old man was also hit on the head in Highgate Wood.
All the victims who needed hospital treatment have since been discharged.
Det Con Kay Sekyere, of Haringey CID, said: “We are looking at any potential links between the incidents and our enquiries are ongoing.”
The suspect is described as white/light skinned, 5ft 7inch to 5ft 11 ins tall, short dark hair, wearing casual clothing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Sekyere on 07899 967 616 or 020 8345 0712 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
n A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incidents. He has been bailed to return to police on July 19.
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