Rapist 'may have struck before'

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A rapist jailed for attacking a woman outside London's O2 arena may have struck before, police have said.

Kwaku Acheampong, described as a "predatory rapist", engaged his 21-year-old victim in conversation as she walked to North Greenwich Tube station.

The attack took place in April at a secluded patch of wasteland.

The Metropolitan Police think Acheampong, 26, may have attacked women before using a similar method and are urging other victims to come forward.

Acheampong, of Plumstead, south-east London, received a six-year prison term when he was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on 18 November.

This was a very calculated offence. Acheampong was a predatory rapist Det Con James Coldham, Metropolitan Police

Police arrested him a month after the assault following examination of hours of CCTV footage from around the scene and buses.

He was linked to the attack by forensic evidence.

Det Con James Coldham, of Greenwich Police, said Acheampong had clearly planned the attack.

"This was a very calculated offence. Acheampong was a predatory rapist," he said.

"I have no doubt that he planned to arrive at closing time when he knew there would be lots of women leaving the venue.

"He waited until he spotted a victim, someone on her own who was trying to contact her friends.

'Found the courage'

"The CCTV footage completely disproved Acheampong's account of events."

Acheampong had claimed he had met the woman at a party inside the O2 and she had consented to sex, the officer said.

He added: "There may be other women who have not yet found the courage to contact police to report similar offences.

"I would encourage them to come to police and reassure them that they will receive full support from dedicated Sapphire officers."

The Met has dedicated officers, known as Sapphire teams, who investigate serious sex offences.