Serial sex attacker fears after three women assaulted in same city

Police have released CCTV of a suspected serial sex offender after three women were attacked in the same cirty.

An appeal has been launched after the women, aged 19, 18 and 22, were assaulted in Brighton – with two attacks happening in the space of two days.

In the latest incident on October 6, a 19-year-old woman was attacked by a man at 5.30am, but managed to struggle free and run off.

Barely 24 hours earlier, an 18-year-old woman was grabbed and kissed on the lips by a man as she sat on a bench at 6.30pm.

She was shaken but managed to run off.

The first attack took place on July 24 at 1.35am when a 22-year-old woman was sexually assaulted as she walked home.

Detective Inspector Duncan Elliott of the Brighton Safeguarding investigations Unit said: “These were very frightening experiences for the women, who have been receiving support and assistance from specialist officers.

“We have issued these two images in the hope someone may recognise or identify the man in either of the images and will be able to assist with the ongoing intensive investigation which began in July.

“If you were in the areas at those times and saw anything of the incidents, even without perhaps realising what was happening at the time, or if you saw any other suspicious activity or can help us identify this man, please contact us.

“We have been carrying out very thorough and detailed enquiries into these attacks including visits to all addresses in nearby, and the victims have also been receiving support from specialist officers, but so far the assailant has not been traced.

“From several similarities in the descriptions in each case, and the circumstances of the attacks, including other information, we believe they may well be linked although that has not been firmly established at present.

“These have been isolated incidents but our investigations are continuing. Our patrolling officers are paying extra attention to the areas involved and anyone with concerns can speak to them at any time.”

Incident 1, July 22:

The incident took place on the junction of Ditchling Road and Princes Crescent. The suspect was described as a mixed race man, of medium build, in his 30s-40s and he spoke in broken English.

Incident 2, October 5:

The incident took place outside Pavilion Gardens. The man was described as black, slim, about 6′, wearing a black track suit possibly with white stripes down the arms.

Incident, October 6:

The incident took place in Marine Parade, Brighton. The man was described as of mixed race, tall and in his late thirties, with flat black afro-style hair and wearing square-rimmed glasses.