Police are hunting for a man suspected of stabbing four separate people in “unprovoked” attacks in Hayes, west London.
Each of the attacks were carried out across a five-day period, and saw men slashed in the face or head leaving them with “significant” injuries.
The first attack happened in Glencoe Road around 9.30am on July 3.
The suspect - described as “a man around 35 years old and of muscular build, with straight dark hair and wearing dark clothes” - attacked a 42-year-old man with a knife, injuring his ear.
Glencoe Road was also the scene of the second stabbing, which happened around 10am on Sunday.
“A suspect seen armed with a knife, and wearing a hoodie and white gloves, attacked a 41-year-old man near a bus stop, causing multiple cuts around the face and neck,” said police.
Around 10pm the same day, in Friar Road, Hayes, a 57-year-old man was slashed in the face by a man wearing a hoodie, white t-shirt and dark trousers.
Around 3.10am on Monday, a 47-year-old man was attacked in Yeading Lane, Hayes, by a suspect wearing black clothing and a puffer jacket, causing injury to the victim’s eye.
In each incident the suspect is described as a black man.
Detectives on Tuesday released an image of a man they “need to trace” following the incidents, which they say are linked.
“We are very concerned about these attacks, which have left four men with significant injuries,” said Detective Chief Inspector Garth Hall, who is leading the investigation.
“It is clear we need to catch the man responsible as soon as possible. I would urge anyone who recognises the man pictured to contact police immediately.
“I understand there will be concern in the community about these incidents and so we have increased resources and patrols in the Hayes area to provide reassurance.”
