Police release CCTV after spate of random attacks in Chiswick

Jamie Bullen8 July 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Detectives hunting a man following a spate of random attacks in west London have released CCTV in a fresh bid for witnesses.

Footage recovered from the scene of an assault in Cranbrook Road, Chiswick shows a man police in Hounslow want to speak to after a series of assaults in the area.

On Tuesday, June 28, it was reported a 19-year-old man was punched in the face, a 32-year-old man was punched in the back and a 27-year-old black woman was racially abused and had a plastic bottle thrown in her face in the space of two hours.

In addition, graffiti was sprayed on a van in Chiswick High Road and before the first assault, at around 1pm, a man had wandered into the middle of Cranbrook Road and exposed himself.

On Wednesday, police received a further report when a man said a box of fruit he was carrying was knocked out of his hand at Brentford Fountain leisure centre before the contents were chucked at him at around 7.40pm.

Eliminated: Vitalij Kovaliov is no longer part of police enquiries 
Met Police

Police confirmed all the reports are being linked based on the description of the individual.

Initially detectives named registered sex offender Vitalij Kovaliov as a suspect after the 35-year-old absconded from a mental health unit in Hammersmith.

However, police said today that although Kovaliov remains outstanding, he has been eliminated from their enquiries.

Detective Inspector Tom Dahri, from Hounslow CID, who is leading the investigation, said: "Whilst Kovaliov has now been eliminated as a suspect, a man still remains outstanding for these offences. The man is suspected of being involved in seven offences so far.

"We are treating these incidents very seriously and extensive enquiries continue to trace the suspect.

“I would urge anyone who has information that could assist this investigation, or anyone who knows who is responsible, to contact police. Please do not approach this man if you see him."

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