A DNA-spattered scarf could hold vital clues to catching south London’s worst serial sex offender.

Police on the trail of the man who has preyed on elderly victims for more than 15 years, have extended their search as part of Operation Minstead to Trinidad.

They hope 'a number of interesting calls’ will lead to the whereabouts of the fiend, who has carried out terrifying attacks across in areas including Sidcup, Orpington and Mottingham.

After pinpointing his ancestry to the Windward Islands in the Caribbean, police have flown out there to follow up leads, giving a press briefing to reveal the latest findings.

Leading the enquiry, Detective Supt Simon Morgan said: “I am appealing for anyone with information regarding a blue 'Pierre Cardin’ headscarf that was found at the scene of a crime in Shirley, Croydon in 1999. We know that the scarf is a fake.

“This is a significant clue as DNA found on the scarf is that of our suspect.”

The suspect is a black man, in his late-thirties, 5ft 10ins to 6ft 2ins, with a round face, broad nose and large lips. He has a well-spoken soft voice and an athletic build.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at the incident room in London on 020-8721 4640 or - to remain anonymous - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.