Extra police have been drafted in and women are being urged to stay vigilant, following a series of reports of a man trying to grab women.

Patrols have been stepped up following the incidents near the river in Twickenham, Kew and Barnes, between June 4 and June 19.

In the first two, the women involved were grabbed from behind by a man but were able to free themselves and run off.

In the third, a man jumped out from a bush and tried to grab a woman who was out jogging.

The man was white, aged between 25 and 35, about 6ft and had short hair.

Detective Inspector John Freeman, of Richmond police’s CID unit, said: “We are asking residents − particularly women − to be very vigilant when out.

“Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. It’s advisable to do this in any case but these incidents are an extra reminder to show caution.

“Residents should be reassured that we are taking these incidents very seriously and doing our utmost to find the man responsible.”

He revealed several lines of investigation were being pursued, including forensic analysis of any items touched by the man during the incidents.

Additional uniform and plain clothed officers have been drafted in to patrol the areas, particularly sections close to the River Thames.

The borough’s safer neighbourhood teams have also been asked to pay particular attention to the areas surrounding the river when patrolling.

Residents have been urged by police to move to a safe place where there are other people around and to call the police if approached by anyone suspicious.

Anyone with information relating to the incidents, which occurred on June 4, June 18 and June 19, should call Richmond police on 020 8247 7032.