A serial rapist and paedophile who struck on Putney Heath and in Epsom in 2002 has been convicted for another attack a quarter-century ago.

In 2004, German-born railway worker Antoni Imiela, 57, was convicted of raping a 26-year-old nurse in Putney and another 26-year-old in Epsom woodland in July and August 2002.

Dubbed "the M25 rapist", the attacks were among eight rapes against women and girls within the space of a year, for which he was given a life sentence.

But he was given another six years after being convicted at the Old Bailey this morning for an attack against a 29-year-old woman on Christmas Day, 1987.

The historic rape, in Forest Hill, was connected to Imiela after a DNA match.

He dragged her behind a nearby shed before subjecting her to a vicious and violent attack, telling her: "Don't look at me or I'll kill you."

During the attack, he held a brick inches from the victim's face before covering her eyes with his hand.

Detective Constabe Claire Watts, from the Metropolitan Police’s central ‘e-Crime unit’ appealed for rape victims to come forward, even if the attack happened many years ago, to come forward.

Det Con Watts said: "Imiela was a particularly dangerous and predatory rapist, well known as the M25 rapist for the numerous offences he committed across the Home Counties.

"This latest conviction shows that his offending dates back even further; and is testamant to the commitment of the Sapphire Cold Case Team to pursue those individuals responsible for historical rapes and sexual offences, regardless of whether they are already in the justice system.

"It is extremely sad that the victim is no longer alive to witness justice served, but I hope her family and friends will take some comfort from today's result.

"We recognise that rape not only affects victims and their families in the immediate aftermath, but has serious long-lasting effects.

"In this particular case the victim's mental health was severely affected to such a degree that she essentially became a changed woman following the incident."

The Cold Case Team can be contacted on 0207 161 1034.