A serial sex attacker linked to eight assaults on lone women in South London has struck for the ninth time, sparking a police warning for the public to be on their guard.

Officers say a woman was molested in the Clapham area at around 5.40pm on Saturday evening.

They believe the attack is linked to eight other sexual assaults in the Clapham and Brixton Hill area over the past 22 days which have all taken place within 1.5 miles of one another.

A serial sex attacker linked to eight assaults on lone women in South London, including one in her 20s who was returning to her home in Clapham, London, on Monday night last week (pictured), has struck for the ninth time

Two men arrested in connection with the attacks last week have since been released on bail.

Chief Inspector Tony Hirst, of Lambeth Police, said: 'We are following up inquiries on this latest sexual assault.

'Police were called to Edithna Street shortly after 5.40pm after a woman was approached by a man whilst her back was turned.

'The man proceeded to touch the woman on her backside multiple times.

'The victim called for help and the attacker fled, making off in the direction of Landor Road. His description matches those of similar assaults in the area.'

He added: 'At this early stage, it is being linked to the previous eight assaults.

'I would like to reassure the public that we have increased police patrols in Clapham and Brixton Hill areas.

Attacks: This man was being sought over a string of sexual assaults in the Clapham area last month

'Detectives continue to study CCTV and are following up a number of active leads.

'I would like to remind everyone in the area to take sensible precautions: be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. If you feel uneasy about an individual or situation, trust your instincts.

'Always call police if you feel in danger.'

Police increased night-time patrols and warned women in Clapham, to be ‘particularly vigilant’ after linking the first eight attacks.

Superintendent Rob Applegarth said: ‘All these attacks are serious, especially for the victims and their families, which is why we are very keen to find this suspect. All the attacks have been happening in the hours of darkness on white females [who] have all been in their 20s or early 30s.’

Asked if there could be more cases, he said: ‘It is possible there are more, or there are possible incidents which were planned or didn’t happen or weren’t reported.’

He urged women in the Clapham area to be on the alert. ‘Obviously if someone is going out with the intent of committing these sort of offences and is going to prey on lone females in doorways to flats, where he appears to have followed people, the message we want to get out there is for people to remain vigilant.’

All the victims were white women in their twenties or early thirties walking home alone after dark.

While not releasing the age of the latest victim, police said the assault fits in the same bracket as the previous victims.

Police say a 34-year-old man arrested last Thursday was released on bail on Saturday until December, pending further inquiries.

A 30-year-old man arrested last Tuesday was bailed to return to a South London police station in November.

The first attack was on Friday October 9 when a 23-year-old woman was grabbed and sexually assaulted on Clitheroe Road, Clapham. She managed to raise the alarm and the suspect ran off.

In all the incidents the attacker was described as being of Mediterranean or Middle-Eastern appearance with dark hair.

Detective Sergeant Gordon Barclay, who is leading the investigation, said: 'We have had a good response following previous appeals.

'We would still like to advise women to remain vigilant when travelling at night and would also ask that anybody who may have any information regarding these offences to make contact with police.'