Two women were assaulted near Hyde Park last week

Following the assaults of two separate women, West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information surrounding the incidents which happened on Tuesday, September 26.

The first incident occurred shortly after 2:35am when a 21-year-old woman was grabbed by a man and then pushed into a bus stop whilst walking across Woodhouse Moor. After managing to break free, the man then grabbed her again when she approached the junction of Delph Lane and Woodhouse Street. After the woman shouted for help, the man fled the scene.

The suspect was described as being a mixed race male in his late twenties, around 5ft 8inches tall and of a medium build. He was also described as wearing a light grey puffer-jacket with a large triangular hood, along with baggy jeans.

Only thirty minutes later at around 3am, another 21-year-old woman was followed by a man along Delph Lane. After reaching her front doorstep, he tried to force entry into her house. Once the victim managed to shut the door on him, he fled the scene.

On this occasion, the suspect was described as a tall, dark-skinned male of a medium build. He was also described as wearing a dark green coat with a fur-trimmed hood, along with blue jeans.

Officers believe that the same man is responsible for both incidents.

The Police are also looking into whether these incidents are linked to a robbery which happened at 4:30am on Tuesday, September 19. A 21-year-old woman was returning to her home in Blenheim Terrace (opposite the University) when she was pulled to the floor shortly after arriving at her front door. After a brief struggle, the suspect stole the woman's phone and ran in the direction of Blackman Lane.

Here he was described as black, aged 25 to 30, and of an average height and strong build.

"As a result of further enquiries, we now believe the same suspect is responsible for the two sexual assaults," says Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID.

“The CCTV images we are now releasing are quite clear and we would like to hear from anyone who recognises this man or who has seen him in the area either on the night or at any other time," the Detective Inspector stated.

“Our personal safety advice remains the same as it would at any other time. We’d always encourage people to plan ahead for their journey home and travel by bus or taxi. If you do have to walk then keep with a group of friends and stay to well-lit routes along main roads wherever possible.”

Anyone with any information that could help the investigation should contact Leeds District CID via 101 and quote the crime number 13170444718.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.