News / Stokes Croft
18-year-old arrested after spate of sexual assaults
A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of committing a series of sexual assaults.
Avon and Somerset Police said it received “a number of reports of a man on a bike cycling past women and touching their bottoms”. The incidents all took place over the past six weeks.
It comes after a post warning women about the incidents around the city centre circulated social media.
is needed now More than ever
The 18-year-old man, who has not been named, was held on suspicion of 11 sexual assaults, and also on suspicion of failing to stop for officers. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.
A man, 18, has been arrested after a number of women reported they were sexually assaulted – photo: Charlie Watts
The message shared online stated: “One of my work colleagues shared this, just so you’re aware it seems like BS1 ain’t super safe at the moment at night.
“Apparently there has been a spree of sexual assaults in Bristol city centre over the last five evenings.”
A police statement said: “Officers on patrol drove past the man as he cycled through the Stokes Croft area on Sunday evening and indicated him to stop after suspecting he matched the description victims had provided.
“The man continued to cycle before he abandoned his bike and began running away on foot.
“He was subsequently found hiding in a garden.
“The man has since been released on bail while further enquiries, including a comprehensive review of CCTV, take place.”
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
