New Suspect in Investigation into Spate of Attacks in Chiswick

Police have now ruled out involvement of escaped sex offender

A new suspect is being sought in connection with a spate of attacks in Chiswick last week after police eliminated a man who had recently escaped from a local mental health institution. They have issued CCTV footage of the man they now wish to speak to.

Police said today (Friday 8 July) that Vitalij Kovaliov, 35, a registered sex offender absconded while on day release in Hammersmith was initially sought in connection with the attacks and whilst he has yet to be found he has now been eliminated as a suspect.

The CCTV footage above was taken following the first incident in British Grove which happened at around 12:20pm on Tuesday, 28 June. A 25-year-old woman was waiting at the location to take delivery of a parcel when a man approached her and spray-painted her hair red before making off.

The man is described as a white man, aged between 30 and 40 years old, approximately 5ft 11ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a dark jacket, blue and white check/stripped shirt and light shorts. He was carrying a large blue 'IKEA' style bag. He was also seen carrying a red rucksack.

There were five further offences reported to police on the same day. At 12:39pm officers were informed that a man had wandered into the middle of the street at Cranbrook Road, Chiswick and exposed himself.

At 1pm there was a report made to police that a man had punched a 19-year-old man in the face in Cranbrook Road, Chiswick and made off.

At 1.30 pm officers were alerted to an incident at Chiswick High Road where a 32-year-old man had been punched in the back by a male suspect who then made off.

At 2pm officers were informed of a racially aggravated assault at Essex Place, W4. A 27-year-old black woman stated she had been racially abused by a white man who then threw a plastic bottle in her face before making off.

At 2.30 pm officers were informed that a suspect had sprayed graffiti on a van in Chiswick High Road.

The following day, Wednesday, 29 June, an incident occurred at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre at 7.40 pm. The victim was walking out of the leisure centre when a man approached him and knocked a box of fruit he was carrying out of his hand. The suspect then picked the fruit up and threw it at the victim before making off.

The offences are all being linked by locality, nature of the incident and description of the individual involved.

Detective Inspector Tom Dahri, from Hounslow CID, who is leading the investigation, said, "Whilst Kovaliov has now been eliminated as a suspect, a man still remains outstanding for these offences. The man is suspected of being involved in seven offences so far.

"We are treating these incidents very seriously and extensive enquiries continue to trace the suspect. I would urge anyone who has information that could assist this investigation, or anyone who knows who is responsible, to contact police. Please do not approach this man if you see him."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 020 8247 6160 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Vitalij Kovaliov, (above) 35, was last seen at around 4.30pm on Friday, 24 June whilst on escorted leave from the Claybrook Centre which is next to Charing Cross Hospital. He made off from staff on King Street, W6 and headed towards Chiswick.

July 8, 2016