Two women were grabbed by a man in Brighton in separate but related attacks, Sussex Police said this afternoon (Thursday 6 September).
The force said: “Detectives are connecting two incidents where women were grabbed in Brighton.
“Officers were called when a woman reported being grabbed by a man near to Saunders Park.
“The 18-year-old woman was walking in Lewes Road and was near to an alleyway which leads into Saunders Park Rise at around 11.05pm on Tuesday (4 September) when a man, walking towards her, grabbed her.
“He snatched her mobile from her hand and threw it into a nearby bush and threatened her.
“A passer-by heard her scream and intervened and the man walked off.
“At 11.50pm a 19-year-old woman was walking in Hodshrove Lane, near to Moulsecoomb Primary School.
“She saw a man on a motorbike parked at the bottom of Hodshrove Lane junction with Lewes Road.
“He grabbed her and pushed her against the railings. He put his hand in her mouth and she managed to bite his finger to get away.”
Detective Inspector Duncan Elliott said: “We are investigating these as potentially linked and as attempted sexual assaults.
“Neither of the women were sexually assaulted but we are unsure of the suspect’s intentions.
“The man in the first attack was described as 5ft 5in, very tanned, local accent, about 30 years old, looked rundown and tired with what looked like acne scars, was of larger build.
“He was wearing a brown woollen beanie hat and a navy blue coat.
“The man in the second attack was described as about 45 to 55 years old, with greying stubble and average build and was wearing motorbike gear.
“We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information or who saw what happened is asked to contact police online, quoting Operation Westdown.”
Witnesses can also call Sussex Police on 101.
