Police are appealing for witnesses to two sexual assaults that happened in the Wellswood area of Torquay.
The first assault happened in Montpelier Road at 7.50pm on Friday 8 July. A 67-year-old local woman was followed into a property, by an unknown man who put his hands on her bottom. When she screamed the man immediately ran off.
The second assault happened the same evening approximately an hours later in the Meadfoot Road area of the town. A man grabbed a 51-year-old, who was visiting the area, as she walked along the street and again touched her bottom before running off.
Officers believe the same offender is responsible for both offences. He is described as being aged between 18 and 21, of slim build. He was wearing a black or dark hooded top with the hood up and dark trousers.
Detective Inspector Nicky Seager, Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse Investigation Team, said: “These assaults were deliberate acts which have been very distressing for the female victims, leaving them understandably shaken.
“We do not want to raise alarm in the local community but this is worrying behaviour and we would advise women walking alone to be aware of who is around them and if they are made to feel uncomfortable or are physically assaulted, they should report it to the police immediately.
“There will be increased patrols in the local area to deter further offences and reassure the public, whilst the investigation to identify the male continues.”
Anyone who witnessed these assaults, or saw a man matching the description behaving suspiciously in either area around the time of the assaults, is asked to email 101@dc.police.co.uk or call 101, quoting crime reference CR/046102/16.
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online atwww.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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