POLICE are appealing to the public for information about three sexual offences committed in Finchley this month.

The first two incidents occurred on October 19 and a third on October 23.

In all cases, the victims were lone women in their 20s.

The first two assaults occurred at 6.15pm on Elm Park Road, and 8pm on Clifton Avenue.

A third attempted assault took place on Sunday, October 23, at around 10.50pm on Essex Park.

On all occasions the women have been approached by a man from behind, who has then covered the mouths.

On two occasions the suspect ordered victims to remain quiet, and threatened to harm them before touching them in a sexual manner.

All of the victims screamed and resisted the suspect, causing him to run off.

The suspect has been described as a tanned complexion, likely to be either dark-skinned European or Arabic, or light-skinned Asian in appearance.

He is believed to be in his mid 30s, 5’8” to 6' tall, of a slim build.

He is described as wearing blue jeans with black formal type shoes and smelled of cigarette smoke.

Detectives from the Barnet Sapphire Unit are investigating.

Acting Detective Inspector Warren Kennard said: "Despite these attacks taking place on side streets around Finchley Central and West Finchley underground stations, we understand that there may be a number of potential eyewitnesses."

"If you were one of them, it's possible that you may not have realised the nature of the assaults in the belief that they were some kind of dispute, which did not need public or police intervention."

"The reality is that three women have gone through a frightening experience, and I urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to come forward and speak to us."

Superintendent Neil Seabridge of Barnet Police said: "I want to reassure our community that we are working very hard and using all resources available to us in order to catch this man.

Superintendent Seabridge said police were carrying out additional patrols.

"If you have any concerns, or would like personal safety advice please contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team, they are there to provide you with help and reassurance."

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 0208 733 5032; or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.