Man sought in Merrylands sex assault investigation

Police have released images of a man they wish to speak to as they investigate at least five break and enters in Sydney’s west, in which two elderly women were allegedly sexually attacked.

Police are “deeply concerned” by at least five aggravated break and enters in Sydney’s west in which two elderly women were allegedly sexually assaulted, with a man now being sought to assist with inquiries.

The State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad have commenced an investigation into the spate of incidents in Merrylands with local detectives under Strike Force Beigy.

Police have now released images of a man who may be able to assist with their investigation.

“The man is described as being tall and of slender build with dark skin, aged in his 20s and softly spoken,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad and Cumberland Detectives are investigating these offences and encourage anyone who lives in that area to contact police if their properties have been broken into even if nothing has been stolen.”

The man police wish to speak to. Picture: NSW Police

Sex Crimes Squad Commander Jayne Doherty said the break-ins allegedly occurred between 2am and 6am on Thursday.

Two women in their 80s were allegedly assaulted in separate homes, while one man who confronted the intruder was injured with a knife he was allegedly carrying.

“Police will allege that at one of the locations, the occupant of the premises confronted a male offender in his home,” Det Supt Doherty said.

“The male offender then had a short struggle with that occupant, and police will allege that at that time the offender produced a knife, which caused an injury to the occupant of the premises.”

The man sought by police may also have a bleeding injury as a result, police have said.

“At another location, an elderly female was in bed, and she awoke to the offender climbing into her bed,” Det Supt Doherty said.

“Police will allege that he then held a knife to her throat, demanding sex.

“We will further allege that he attempted to sexually assault that female before he left the premises.”

Teams from the Sex Crimes Squad, Cumberland Police Area Command and the South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad are now investigating, with Merrylands residents encouraged to secure their homes.

“We are deeply concerned by the actions of this offender,” Det Supt Doherty said.

“We have dedicated numerous resources to identify and apprehend this person...be comforted by the fact that the local area command will be putting more police out there to patrol the area, looking for this man.

“We believe he is an opportunistic offender and we want to stop him before he has any more opportunities.”

Cumberland Police Area Commander Simon Glasser said police would increase patrols with further uniformed police assigned to the area where the break and enters occurred in efforts to apprehend the man.

“This is among the most serious type of crime and offending that we respond to...especially because it involves vulnerable members of our community,” Det Supt Glasser said.

“If anyone does sight this male, please contact triple-0 and do not approach him.”

Do you know more? Email [e-mail]