Three women assaulted on and near Downs

Police investigating two sexual assaults on women on the Downs have stepped up their patrols of the area.

The two incidents happened on March 11 and March 13. Police say they are also investigating another assault on a woman which happened on March 1.

The incident on Wednesday, March 11 happened about 7.20pm on a path between Upper Belgrave Road and Ladies Mile. A man sexually assaulted a woman in her fifties before he ran off towards the water tower after being disturbed by a member of the public.

The second incident happened on the same pathway on Friday, March 13 at about 9.30pm. A woman in her fifties was approached by a man who sexually assaulted her. He ran off when she fought back.

Police say they are investigating a possible connection between these two offences and an assault on a woman in Durdham Park near the Spire hospital at around 9.50pm on Sunday, March 1. A man grabbed a woman’s arm but she managed to free herself and run to her car.

Investigating officer Det Insp Peter Highway said: “We’re investigating three assaults on women in the Clifton and Durdham Downs area of Bristol. Two of the women were sexually assaulted.

“The victims have been left traumatised by what’s happened to them and we’re ensuring they have access to expert help and advice.

“They’ve shown great courage in coming forward to report the offences to us.

“The circumstances and locations of these incidents suggest these offences may have been committed by the same man but this is still under investigation.

“We’re doing all we can to identify the person or people responsible, including drafting in extra patrol resources.

“The man we’re looking for is described as a young adult, possibly in his twenties, tall, with a stocky build and a tanned or dark complexion.

“I would encourage anyone who has been in the Clifton or Durdham Downs area, particularly around Stoke Road, Upper Belgrave Road and Durdham Park, around the time of these offences to come forward if you saw or heard anything suspicious.

“If you’ve experienced anything similar or have observed anyone acting suspiciously around these areas on other days, please let us know.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Runacres said: “Clifton Downs is a popular location for walkers and the network of pathways are widely used.

“We want to make people aware of these incidents and ask them to follow the regular personal safety advice we give out, including keeping to well-lit areas at night.

“If any members of the local community are concerned or worried then please contact the local neighbourhood team via 101.”

Anyone with information should call Bristol Investigations via 101 and quote reference 26848/15.