The Met should face serious questions over its handling of a series of attacks on women in East Dulwich – questions that throw into sharp relief the limitations of its pledge to make the streets safe for women.
In the paper this week, we hear from a woman who was attacked out of nowhere by a stranger.
She told us the suspect attempted to smash her head against a wall and strangle her in front of her ten-year-old son.
She had no idea whether she could escape – and it is not a stretch to imagine that had the perpetrator not released her when they did she could have suffered greater injuries – or even worse.
By failing immediately to race to the scene police missed their chance to catch the person responsible.
Over the coming days more women were attacked, including one who sustained a knife injury.
It would appear to be pure chance that none were critically injured – or killed.
In the weeks after the disappearance of Sarah Everard, trust between women and the police seemed to reach an all time low.
Street harassment is epidemic in London and other cities, and rape convictions are at a record low in England.
Predictions of a surge in violent crime post-lockdown also have come to pass.
A combination of warm weather – violence always peaks in the summer months – restrictions being eased and postcode tensions has led to a spate of murders and other violent attacks. Women can be both the target, or caught in the crossfire.
It is too early to say what motive led to one suspect allegedly being responsible for four separate attacks over a period of three days, all targeting women; if there is a clear motive at all.
Regardless of whether an attack is sexually motivated, linked to a robbery, a random encounter with someone suffering from mental health difficulties, or a targeted attack, the crucial moments for evidence gathering or catching those responsible are in the minutes and hours afterwards. In this case, the perpetrator was said to have loitered in the area for some time after.
Until they have the resources to answer urgent 999 calls for assistance, in life-or-death situations, any police promises about making our streets safer will ring hollow.