A sex attacker is being hunted in south London after carrying out two knifepoint assaults at doctors’ clinics within the past weeks.
The assailant threatened women with knives on both occasions before committing the assaults. One woman suffered minor injuries.
Women in south London have criticised police after they failed to issue safety warnings about the danger.
Lisa Tally said: " It is shocking that the public were not warned about this immediately.
"I would personally want to know as soon as possible if attacks like this had happened in my community. When you hear stories like this, it really makes you worry.
"Many of my friends go to clinics on their own so would be particularly vulnerable, plus many of the centres are in residential areas so I'm sure many families are very concerned."
Police have only released sketchy details of the attacks and the attacker.
One man has been arrested but he was later released on police bail pending further inquiries.
NHS and Wandsworth Council have contacted staff warning them not to work alone, not to leave windows or doors open on the ground floor and to secure all knives which could be used by an attacker.
The assailant is described as of Asian appearance and about 25 years old and has struck twice at clinics in the Southfields area.
One woman was left injured after the assault in Tudor Lodge Health Centre, in Victoria Drive, on July 2.
Another attack took place at a separate clinic on July 6.
An NHS South West London spokesperson, said: “NHS SWL’s top priority is the safety of our patients and staff. These are serious incidents and we have made all of our staff aware and refreshed security measures. We continue to be kept informed by the police and will act swiftly and appropriately on any further advice.”
A Met spokesman said : “Police are investigating two incidents at medical clinics in SW19 that have occurred in the last five days .
“On each occasion a man believed to be of Asian appearance has threatened women at the clinics with a knife.
“One woman sustained minor injuries.
“Police are retaining an open mind as to motive and are at this stage pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.
“All medical clinics in the area are being given appropriate advice.
“A man has been arrested in connection with two incidents at doctors’ clinics in the Southfields area.
“He was taken to a south London police station and bailed to return pending further enquiries. “
