The stabbing of an Uber driver and several dangerous approaches to women may be linked, “extremely concerned” police have warned.

One suspect has been connected to several reports of women being followed in the early hours of the morning in southwest London in recent days, according to the Metropolitan Police.

He is also being sought after an Uber driver was stabbed twice in the chest.

Police released a photograph of the man, who is described as being between 25 and 30 years of age, and of slim build with short blond hair.

He was first spotted by a woman on 17 November at around 4am who noticed that a man with a knife was following her along Sisters Avenue, in Clapham.

As he got close, the woman shouted and the suspect ran away.

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CCTV footage from 17 November. Pic: Met Police

The second incident took place on Sumburgh Road, in Balham, on 19 November at around 1.40am. The man approached a woman and grabbed her, but she managed to escape.

An Uber driver was then stabbed twice in the chest on Nightingale Lane in Clapham on 23 November, at around 12.20am.

The driver’s condition was not life-threatening and he has since been released from hospital.

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Handout CCTV image dated 17/11/2023 issued by Metropolitan Police of man they would like ti find after a spate of incidents in which women were followed and an Uber driver was stabbed. The suspect has been linked to several early morning incidents in southwest London since November 17 by the Metropolitan Police, who fear he may commit further offences. Issue date: Thursday November 23, 2023.
Image:
Pic: Met Police

At around 2.50am on 23 November, the suspect was spotted at Clapham Common near the Holy Trinity Church November and chased by officers, before running off in the direction of Clapham Common West Side.

He was later chased again after being spotted on a red bicycle at 4.45am the same day, but officers lost track of him on St John’s Road.

“We are extremely concerned about this man and we need to find him as soon as possible,” Detective Superintendent Dan O’Sullivan, said.

“We know this will cause community concern and we will be carrying out extra patrols at key times.”

Members of the public have been warned not to approach the suspect and to call 999 straight away if they see him.