Man accused of Wapping Woods attacks appears at Old Bailey

An alleged knifeman accused of attacking two lone women in separate incidents in Wapping Woods appeared at the Old Bailey yesterday.

Sijil Miah, 32, is accused of trying to kill one woman and slashing a second in two attacks carried out in the woods, off Garnet Street, in December last year.

He targeted his first victim, Nicola Metcalfe, 38, last December 4 before knifing the second, Ellen Wood, 26, on December 29.

Miah was due to enter pleas to charges of wounding Ms Metcalfe with intent and the attempted murder of Ms Wood.

But the case was adjourned to allow psychiatric reports to be prepared.

Miah, of Burwell Close, Shadwell, will next appear in court on May 9. A provisional trial date has been set for June 24.

The attacks caused outrage among Wapping residents, who accused police neglecting safety in the area during a public meeting.