A man fitting the description of the Surbiton sex attacker who seriously assaulted a 26-year-old woman was seen a day later pleasuring himself at the scene of the attack.

At 1.30pm on May 10, two women spotted him back in the alley where the attack took place. He had on similar clothes to those he was wearing the day before. Police say they believe the man to be local.

Following an appeal from police, more than 15 people have come forward with information about the assault, which took place in Oak Hill Path on May 9.

Teams of special officers handed out leaflets and talked to passersby and residents around Oak Hill in the hunt for vital information about the attacker.

Police have also investigated known local sex offenders on the Sex Offenders Register, in connection with the attack, and officers are working with the victim to put together an efit of her attacker.

Kingston police believe the man had been lying in wait in Oak Hill Path for a lone woman to walk past.

Linda Thompson, who lives in Surbiton, said: "It is a steep, secluded and badly lit path. You feel like you're running the gauntlet every time you take the shortcut. I wouldn't normally think twice about taking it during the day because it saves you 20 minutes. But now I'm avoiding it. I'm really scared."

There have been calls for improved lighting in the alleyway.

A spokesperson for Kingston Council said: "Oak Hill footpath is very well lit during the hours of darkness by seven lighting columns. These columns were upgraded last year. However, this attack took place during daylight hours.

"The lower end of the footpath is covered by a CCTV camera in Glenbuck Road.

"We are currently identifying additional areas in the borough for CCTV. Police reports are clearly influential in prioritising locations."

The alleyway attack took place in broad daylight at 11am. The woman was dragged from Glenbuck Road into Oak Hill Path by a man wearing all-black. He then ran off towards Oak Hill.

Nearly three hours later, a police officer spotted a man hiding in woodland at the back of Hillcroft College, watching the police and forensic teams at the scene. Realising he had been seen, the man ran off.

He is described as in his 30s, not very tall, with short dark hair and wearing all black clothes and beige shoes. Anyone with any information should contact Detective Sergeant Simon Harding on 020 8247 5131.