UK: ARMED Serial Rapist preys on unarmed victims (9/7

Josey1

Gunpoint rape on way to workby Philip NettletonA woman walking to work was dragged into the grounds of a church this morning and raped at gunpoint in daylight. More on this Story Police search church grounds(05 Sep 2001) The rapist, who police believe attacked another woman six hours earlier at a churchyard five miles away, was armed with a silver-coloured pistol. In the latest attack, he forced the 22-year-old woman off the street just before 9am as she walked past the historic church of St Nicholas in Church Street, Chiswick. The woman suffered a terrifying ordeal in the grounds of the church near the Thames, an area of ?2 million riverfront houses. Her attacker, who is aged about 30, fled after the assault but police are unsure which direction he took. The woman was being treated for cuts, bruises and shock. Police said she had been extremely traumatised and was being comforted by rape counsellors. The suspect is described as black, 5ft 7in, with long dreadlocks and a goatee beard. A police source said: "There is every chance this man will strike again and he needs to be stopped." Officers were this afternoon carrying out a fingertip search of the medieval alleys and paths that surround the ancient graveyard of St Nicholas. Detectives believe the same man struck at a churchyard in Heston, Hounslow, at 3am. A 21-year-old woman, who was on her way home after work, was hit and indecently assaulted by a man matching the description of the rapist. He was carrying a gun. The woman was also robbed. "These were horrific attacks by a man using the secluded nature of a churchyard to prey on defenceless women," said a police source. "There is little doubt they were carried out by the same person. We need anyone with information who may have seen this man, who does have a distinctive look, to contact police." The police source added: "He must have been hanging round both churchyards at some point and then travelled from Heston to Chiswick, possibly by car or taxi." The attacks were initially being investigated by local CID officers but the inquiry has now been handed over to the Serious Crime Group, which is headed by Detective Chief Inspector Alan Aubeelack. St Nicholas is the ancient parish church of Chiswick. The area was sealed off this morning as was the cemetery. Vicar the Rev Patrick Tuft said: "It is an absolutely shocking incident but the police have told me very little except that there was a sexual attack of some kind. "There is a very large police presence here and the police helicopter is hovering above. The churchyard, which is vast, has been taped off so the officers can do their job." Anyone with information on either of the attacks is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. http://thisislondon.com/dynamic/news/story.html?in_review_id=453852 [This message has been edited by Josey1 (edited 09-07-2001).]