Police are hunting for a sex attacker believed to have assaulted three women in two days in Carshalton.

Detectives today warned people to be vigilant and avoid dimly lit areas following the attacks on Thursday and Friday.

Officers have stepped up patrols around the Sun pub and Carshalton station where the three attacks took place.

The first victim, a 34-year-old woman, was walking towards the Sun pub when she was assaulted by a man at about 7pm on Thursday.

He pursued her to a nearby park and grabbed her again before she screamed and he ran away.

The second victim, a 22-year-old woman, was assaulted by a man who helped her after she stumbled near Carshalton rail station at about 9.30pm on Friday.

Her attacker accompanied her to nearby Festival Walk, where he grabbed her and attempted to drag her to a park area but failed and ran away.

Minutes later a 27-year-old woman who was walking her dog along North Street towards the Sun pub was approached by a man who tried to seize her. The victim had seen him approach from Honeywood Walk and follow her up the road.

Detective Inspector James Carrington said: "We believe the same man to be behind all three incidents and are appealing for anyone with information or any witnesses to come forward.

"We don't wish to alarm people but it is sensible advice to take care if you are walking alone after dark.

"Be aware of your surroundings, tell a friend or family member where you are going and avoid remote areas with poor lighting."

The attacker is described as being Asian, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 9ins, in his late twenties to early thirties with short dark hair.

He was wearing a brown leather jacket, dark trousers and shoes on Thursday and a striped grey top and jeans on Friday.

Anyone with information is urged call police on 101.