By Perry Duffin
Police are hunting an armed man they allege sexually attacked two elderly women during a series of terrifying home invasions in Sydney’s west.
A resident in one of the homes managed to film the intruder, giving police a vital lead in the investigation.
A picture of the man wanted after two women, aged in their 80s, were allegedly sexually attacked during a string of break-ins in Merrylands.Credit: NSW Police
At least five homes in the suburb of Merrylands were allegedly targeted by the intruder, who entered properties on Elsinore Street, Grace Crescent, Davies Road and Norma Place between 4am and 6.20am on Thursday.
One woman, aged in her 80s, woke to find the intruder crawling into her bed with a knife, police say.
“Police will allege that he then held a knife to her throat, demanding sex,” Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty told media on Thursday.
An image of the alleged assailant released by police.Credit: NSW Police
“We will further allege that he attempted to sexually assault that female before he left the premises.”
At another home, the intruder allegedly disturbed a woman also aged in her 80s. She confronted the intruder, telling him to leave. He indecently assaulted her before fleeing, police said.
At another home, the intruder was confronted by a male resident.
“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,” Doherty said.
The intruder is described as being tall and of slender build with dark skin, aged in his 20s and softly spoken.
Images released by police show him wearing a black Jordan brand hoodie, a covered mouth and blue and black sneakers.
He may have sustained a slight injury that is bleeding.
The State Crime Command’s sex crimes squad has started an investigation with detectives under Strike Force Beigy.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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