A police investigation has been launched after two young girls were repeatedly approached by a man in Wandsworth.
The first girl, a 13-year-old, was followed and then approached by a man near Ellerton Road, Earlsfield at around 10.15am on Sunday, September 13, the Metropolitan Police said.
He tried to talk to her before touching her wrist, at which point she pulled away from him and ran off.
She described the man as white, aged between 30 and 40 years old, with stubble on his face, and said he was wearing a dark blue cap and had a scruffy appearance.
On the afternoon of Thursday, 17 September, a 10-year-old girl reported she had been approached on several occasions throughout the week by a stranger matching the same description on nearby Burntwood Lane, close to Tranmere Road.
On one occasion he was with another man, who did not speak to the girl. The second man was described as white, aged in his 50s with a bald head. He is believed to have several cuts on his head and an injury to his hand.
Police believe the incidents are linked and have launched a "fast-moving" investigation to seek to identify the men, and officers have stepped up patrols in the area.
Detective Inspector Peter Braganza, from Wandsworth, said: "We are linking both incidents due to the close proximity and the descriptions provided. A fast moving investigation is currently underway to identify these individuals and prevent any further incidents.
"Whilst we are working closely with our local schools and appraising the community with any developments, I must stress that incidents like this are rare and will not be tolerated.
"Both uniformed and plain clothes officers are patrolling the area to offer reassurance and a visible presence."
Anyone with information should contact the police via the 101 service or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.
