DNA evidence was gathered at the scenes of previous attacks
Ground-breaking DNA techniques have traced the geographical roots of the serial sex attacker at the centre of London's biggest manhunt.
Scientists used DNA samples found at some crime scenes in south London to prove his family is from the Caribbean.
They will be compared with swabs from up to 200 police officers with Caribbean origins to try to trace the island the man or his family was from.
He is suspected of at least four rapes and 27 sex assaults over 12 years.
Criminal profiles say he enjoys sex with victims over 50 years old, his youngest victim was 68 and the eldest was 93.
He often breaks into homes and removes light bulbs, cuts telephone wires and turns off the power before attacking them.
One 88-year-old woman was raped twice in August 1999 - her bowel was perforated and she almost died from her injuries.
Detective Superintendent Simon Morgan said it was a miracle no-one had died from fright.
"It's in the dark. He shines a torch in their face - the descriptions that you get are very limited. The victims are petrified by these circumstances."
The DNA technique was developed from methods used by Scotland Yard during the 'Adam' torso inquiry.
With no clues to the identity of the boy who was found in the Thames, samples from his body showed he had strong links to West Africa.
Now detectives hope to narrow the search for the south London sex attacker who is thought to be responsible for more than 80 crimes.
His DNA samples were sent to the DNA Print Genomics in Florida, and found to contain Native American, European and Sub-Saharan strands.
The combination is only found in the Caribbean.
Detectives working on Operation Minstead have also tried familial testing, which successfully traced Craig Harman, who threw a brick through a lorry driver's windscreen.
Now they are working through a list of 100 people with similar DNA to the rapist.
The attacker wears a balaclava and often a black all-in-one suit thought to be a motorcycle outfit.
He is thought to be about 35, black and may have links to Brighton, as he mentioned it during one attack.
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