TWO women were sexually assaulted by a stranger asking for directions in the early hours of the morning.

The women were approached by the man on West Marlands Road – near the junction of Commercial Road - at around 4.25am on Saturday, October 8.

After asking for directions, the man assaulted them.

The women fought off their attacker before he fled the scene towards Watts Park.

The suspect was chased by two men who were passing at the time of the incident.

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The attacker has been described as Asian, in his mid-20s, approximately 5ft 9ins tall and of stocky build.

He had black hair which was short on the sides and long on the top, whilst also having stubble on his face.

The man was seen wearing a black top, blue jeans and carrying a mobile phone.

Officers investigating the assault are keen to speak to the two men who chased the suspect.

Detective Constable Rhys McDonnell said: “Our officers have carried out initial enquiries in the area to identify the suspect and we are really keen to identify and speak to those two men who chased the man away from the scene.

“They may hold really important information which could aid our ongoing investigation.

“Likewise, we would like to hear from a man who may have witnessed the assault and spoken to the offender immediately after the incident.

“Is this you? If so, we would implore you to come forward and speak with us. It could prove vital in bringing the offender to justice.

“We would like to reassure local residents that there is no perceived risk to the wider community – it is believed that this was an isolated incident.

“Local officers will be conducting routine patrols in the area following the incident.”

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Anyone with information, dash-cam or CCTV footage relating to this incident is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 44220410795.

Alternatively you can contact independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

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