Nearly two months ago, a 15-year-old girl fought off a large man who sexually assaulted her by biting and scratching him near the King George V Recreation Ground in Ewell.

Just two weeks ago a similar incident occurred when a 10-year-old girl managed to fight back and escape from a sex attacker who assaulted her as she walked in a wooded area in Claygate.

Now police have linked the two assaults to the same attacker.

A spokesperson for Surrey Police said the incidents: "Were both subject to on-going individual investigations.

"However as a result of these enquiries, the two incidents are now believed to be linked and the investigation has now been passed to the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team."

Police released an e-fit of the man who attacked both girls and is described as an Asian male of 30 to 40 years old, 6ft 1in tall with a stocky build.

Detective Chief Inspector Jo Hayes said: “These incidents are clearly extremely concerning and I want to reassure local residents that we are doing everything we can to try to identify the offender as quickly as possible.

“Both attacks took place when it was still daylight and targeted young girls who were alone in semi-isolated locations. We want parents and children to be aware of these incidents so they take some safety precautions and we need the wider community to remain vigilant and contact us with any information.

“If anyone recognises the description given of the suspect or has any information – no matter how small it may seem - please come forward and pass it to police as it could prove vital.”

Anyone who witnessed either incident or with any information, has CCTV or phone footage should call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45170090450, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also report information online at https://report.police.uk/.