POLICE in Leyton and Ilford are hunting a serial sex attacker who has carried out four serious assaults on women.

The most recent was on February 2 when a 33-year-old woman was attacked at her home in the Twickehham Road area of Leyton.

Detectives say a man knocked on the door of the house and pushed his way in by knocking his victim to the floor.

The man then forced the woman into the bedroom, where he sexually assaulted her. It was only after neighbours were alerted by the woman's screams that the man fled.

Police are now linking this attack with three others one involving a schoolgirl, another on a teenager that all took place on a footpath between Oaks Lane and Chase Lane, Newbury Park, Ilford.

The first happened on November 24 last year. A man approached a 12-year-old girl as she walked along a footpath, before dragging her away and carrying out a sexual assault.

Weeks later on December 11 a man dragged a 17-year-old girl from the same path and carried out another sexual assault.

In January a 24-year-old woman was targeted at the same footpath. She was threatened with a knife, but managed to escape after a passer-by disturbed the attacker.

The suspect is described as European with tanned or olive skin, between 20-30 years old, of medium build and approximately 5'10".

He has bushy eyebrows and short black hair. In all the attacks police said the suspect wore dark clothing, trousers and a zip-up jacket and spoke in English with a foreign accent.

Detective Inspector Gary Young said: "This offender's level of violence has now escalated and he has forced his way into someone's house.

"Oaks Lane footpath has had foliage cut back, but I would ask women to continue to be vigilant and report anything suspicious by ringing 999."

Detective Inspector Mark Mills-Bishop said: "Although these random sexual assaults are rare, we are asking women to remain vigilant and to report anything that may appear suspicious to the police.

"It is important that we catch this dangerous man and I am confident that we can, but I look to the public to give us any information they think may help. If you can provide any information either of the suspect or as a witness please contact the police."

Anyone with any information should contact Project Sapphire on 020 8345 4604 or to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you have been a victim of Sexual Assault or wish to find out more about the work of Project Sapphire, please visit their Website: http://www.met.police.uk/sapphire/index.htm. You can also visit the MPS Website: www.met.police.uk