Police are escalating their efforts to hunt down an attacker targeting lone women on the streets of south London.

A reward of up to £20,000 is being offered by detectives investigating a series of violent attacks.

Three women have been targeted in separate attacks in Peckham and Deptford and detectives said they cannot rule out a sexual motive.

In two of the incidents – one in Hanover Park, Peckham, between 6.15am and 6.45am on December 13 and one in Creekside, Deptford, at about 5am on January 1 – the victims had items of clothing removed.

A woman had also been attacked between 1.15am and 2.15am on December 4 in Commercial Way, Peckham.

In each attack, the victims have sustained serious injuries to their heads.

New CCTV footage of the attack in Hanover Park will be shown on Thursday’s Crimewatch programme, prompting Met detectives to increase the reward on offer up to £20,000.

Detective chief inspector Zena Marshall said: “We are yet to identify the man seen on CCTV that we are keen to speak to in connection with this investigation, so we are continuing to appeal for the public's help to find out who he may be.

“In addition, the reward on offer has been raised to up to £20,000.

“We are also releasing CCTV of the Hanover Park attack on Sunday, 13 December 2015. Anyone watching it cannot fail to be shocked by its brutality, and therefore understand the need to catch the person responsible.

“I would urge anyone with any information on who the attacker may be, or anyone with any information about the attacks, to come forward and help our investigation.”

Detectives from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command's Complex Case Team are continuing to appeal for a man captured on CCTV, who they want to speak to in connection with the attacks.

Anyone with information should call the investigation team on 020 8217 6541 or via 101. Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.