Toronto police are hunting for a man they suspect is responsible for a series of assaults on mentally ill residents of the city's west end, the latest of which may have led to the death of a 62-year-old victim.

George Wass of Toronto was attacked last week near the intersection of Queen St. West and Jameson Ave. in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood.

According to a police report, the suspect attacked Wass with a flurry of kicks and punches, then fled the scene. The victim was taken to hospital and released. He collapsed at home early Monday morning and was taken back to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators have scheduled an autopsy for Tuesday that they hope will reveal whether Wass died of injuries related to the beating.

Police believe the same man sought in connection with that assault may be responsible for a string of similar attacks in Parkdale.

In at least four other attacks dating back to early January of 2011, police allege a single suspect targeted area residents with mental health issues.

The alleged victims include a 55-year-old man on March 3, a 62-year-old man on February 25, as well as a 53-year-old man on January 9, and a 47-year-old woman on January 4 -- all of whom were subsequently hospitalized with varying degrees of injury.

Investigators are looking for a man described as between 5-foot-8 and 6 feet tall, with a stocky build. He has been described as wearing a black balaclava, dark clothing and, in two of the attacks, riding a dark−coloured mountain bike with no fenders.

Toronto police are asking anyone with information about any of the assaults to contact police at 11 Division directly at 416−808−1100. Anonymous tips can also be left by calling Crime Stoppers at 416−222−TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com. The public can also text TOR and any relevant information to CRIMES (274637), or post it on the police service's Facebook page.