Police are hunting a sexual predator after three women were assaulted in the same area on different days.

Three separate attacks happened less than five minutes’ walk from Dollis Hill Underground Station in Brent over the last three weekends, with officers treating them as linked.

The first was at 11.25pm on Saturday, August 28, when a 30-year-old woman was followed by a man and sexually assaulted on Fleetwood Road.

Then on Sunday, September 5, a 21-year-old woman was followed and assaulted at around 10.05pm on Ellesmere Road before a member of the public intervened and the attacker fled.

The following Saturday another attack happened again on Ellesmere Road at around 10.15pm.

It involved a 21-year-old victim before a member of the public intervened and the attacker ran off.

Each victim described the man as mixed race with facial stubble, of slim build and wearing black clothing.

Detective Inspector Jonny Newell, leading the investigation, said: “All of these assaults took place on a weekend, at a similar time and in very close proximity to both the underground and each other.

“It is clear that the perpetrator is waiting at or near the tube station with the sole purpose of seeking out women to follow to a secluded area before he carries out his attacks.

“On each occasion the victims have managed to raise the alarm, causing their attacker to flee the scene.

“We are incredibly grateful to the two members of the public who came to their assistance.”

He continued: “All of the women have understandably been left shaken and we are doing everything we can to stop this happening again.

“We would urge anyone who lives in the area to think about whether they saw anything suspicious on any of these evenings and to check any CCTV or doorbell footage they may have.”

DI Newell said sexual assaults of this nature are “very rare” but patrols will be upped in the area over the next few weeks.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is one of the Met’s top priorities and we are determined to stop this man from causing further harm,” he added.

Anyone with information has been urged to call 101, giving the reference 8659/11SEP.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.