Police in England have urged people to be vigilant, following the escape of ‘violent’ sex offender Vitalij Kovaliov.
A manhunt is underway for the 35-year-old, who reportedly escaped while out on escorted leave from a mental health unit in Hammersmith.
Kovaliov has since been linked to a spate of random attacks in the Chiswick area. Among the victims are an eight-year-old boy, who was left with cuts to the face after his mother opened her door to a man whom she thought was delivering a package to the house.
Another woman was reportedly approached by a man who ‘spray-painted’ her hair red, then ran away.
In all, there have been eight reported attacks – and police believe they can be linked to Kovaliov.
Kovaliov was last seen at 4:30pm on Friday, 24th June, and was spotted heading in the direction of Chiswick after making his escape.
He is described as being between 5ft 11in and 6ft 1in in height, and of medium build.
Vitalij Kovaliov has absconded from a mental health unit - do not approach. Call 999 https://t.co/itWwDtHNcO pic.twitter.com/RNQYYvMJVG
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) July 1, 2016
Members of the public have been asked to refrain from approaching Kovaliov; instead, you are asked to contact the police immediately.
You can do so by calling 999 or 101; alternatively, you can get in touch with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Let’s hope the police catch this man before anyone else gets hurt.
