A police officer in charge of the investigation into a serial sex attacker on older women says the suspect has a conscience.

Detective Superintendent Simon Morgan has appealed for the gerontophile rapist who has targeted elderly women across south London, including Croydon to give himself up.

The first attack happened in 1992 and since then he has carried out more than 80 attacks on elderly women.

He breaks into homes, cuts the electricity and shines a torch into victims' faces. Some have been raped the most violent being an attack on an 88-year-old woman in 1999, who was raped twice.

However, Det Sgt Morgan believes the man cannot control his actions and feels remorse for his attacks. He also believes he will not stop until he is either imprisoned or given treatment.

Police believe he is a slim and athletic light-skinned black man who is 5ft 9in, with links to Shirley and Croydon and whose ancestors come from the southern Caribbean, a link which has been established using DNA techniques.

Anyone with information should call 020 8217 6536 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.