A serial sex attacker is on the loose in Wandsworth after carrying out  knifepoint attacks this month.

All the attacks took place at health clinics or GP surgeries.

Each time a knife was used to threaten the female victim and each time sexual assault was either committed or attempted.

 As a result the NHS and Wandsworth Council have contacted staff warning them not to work alone, not to leave windows or doors open on the ground floor and to secure all knives which could be used by an attacker.

But the police have not issued any safety warning to the public, prompting anger from women in the area who feel they have left in the dark.

Lisa Tally, who lives on the border of Putney and Southfields, said: " It is shocking that the public were not warned about this immediately.

"I would personally want to know as soon as possible if attacks like this had happened in my community. When you hear stories like this, it really makes you worry.

"Many of my friends go to clinics on their own so would be particularly vulnerable, plus many of the centres are in residential areas so I'm sure many families are very concerned."

Police have only released very sketchy details of the attacks and the attacker, and asked this week for more information simply released their earlier press release which said: "Police are linking two incidents at medical clinics in SW19 that have occurred in the last five days.

"On each occasion a male believed to be of Asian appearance has threatened females at the clinics with a knife. A female has sustained minor injuries.

"Police have an open mind as to motive and are at this stage pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. All medical clinics in the area are being given appropriate advice."

It is known that a woman was left injured after the assault in Tudor Lodge Health Centre, in Victoria Drive, on July 2.

Yesterday Detective Constable Egan added: "Enquiries are still ongoing, however one arrest has been made to date and that male is currently on police bail. I can confirm that it is two incidents, not three, that are being investigated jointly."

But according to an email sent by the council to all staff on July 18 and leaked to the Wandsworth Guardian, there were three assaults on women between July 2 and July 6.

The email warned them to check all alarms, said cleaners and out-of-hours staff are particularly vulnerable and said: "Secure all knives and other sharps that could be used as a weapon. In all cases the attacker has used knives that were found on the premises."

An NHS South West London spokesperson, said: “NHS SWL’s top priority is the safety of our patients and staff. These are serious incidents and we have made all of our staff aware and refreshed security measures. We continue to be kept informed by the police and will act swiftly and appropriately on any further advice.”

It is said the attacker is about 25-years-old and of Asian appearance.

He is 5ft 9", and on at least one occasion was wearing a blue hooded top with a fur lined hood, jogging trousers or jeans.

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.