Detroit police warn that a serial killer may be on the loose after linking this weeks discovery of a womans body to two earlier killings.

Police Chief James Craig on Wednesday asked for the publics help finding a violent predator who appears to be luring sex workers into vacant buildings before raping and killing them.

We believe this is a serial murderer and rapist, and we want to alert all sex workers, particularly those who work inside vacant houses, to beware, Craig said, according to The Guardian .

The chief said he wasnt trying to create alarm, but stressed it was important for the public to be aware of this very dangerous threat.

Three women believed to be involved in the sex trade have been found dead in vacant houses on Detroits east side in recent months. The first victim, 52-year-old Nancy Harrison, was found dead on March 19. The second, 53-year-old Trevesene Ellis, was found on May 24, Craig said.

The naked and decomposed body of the third victim, who has not been identified, was discovered on Wednesday. Craig said it appears that there is a trend and a pattern between the three killings, though he refused to elaborate , according to the Detroit Free Press.

We want you to talk to us, Craig said, addressing the public. Any information however small may help us identify this violent predator.