POLICE are urging women to avoid walking alone at night following a spate of sexual assaults in Worcester.

Today (Friday, July 21) detectives also released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a number of sexual offences in the city. 

Although West Mercia Police remain open to the fact these incidents could be linked, they have no evidence to suggest this for certain.

Detective Inspector John Cashion, of West Mercia Police, said: "Our latest discovery is the image of a man riding a bicycle on Thursday 13 July in Cripplegate Park at around 9.45pm. 

"We believe he could provide information that could help us with our investigations. If you know this man, or have seen him around the local area, we would urge you to get in touch with us on 101.

"Until we find the offender(s) and bring them to justice, we would advise that women try to stay in groups when they are out and about, particularly of an evening, as well as running in pairs, and just generally being aware of their own safety. Carrying a mobile phone and/or a personal safety alarm and trusting your instincts can also be an advantage."

The most recent incident was reported on Tuesday between 7.45 and 8pm by Diglis Bridge.

A woman was jogging by the riverside, when she became aware of a white man who she remembers wearing red shorts, sat on a bench, with a bicycle beside him. 

She ran past the man and a few minutes later the same man inappropriately touched her. He then rode off. 

He is described as having mousey-brown hair that was short at the sides and messy on top.

He had broad shoulders with an athletic build and was wearing red shorts and a black Camelbak rucksack.

He was riding a black bicycle that had red lettering on it. 

Detective Inspector Cashion added: "This particular incident follows a number of other sexual assaults which our dedicated Criminal Investigation Department are working hard upon to identify and arrest the suspect(s). 

"We understand that this will be concerning for local residents, particularly women, and we would like to reassure you that we are following a number of enquiries and have increased patrols around the local areas. 

"If you witnessed any of the incidents, or have information that could help us with our enquiries, no matter how important you think the information is, please contact us.

"Any small piece of information could prove vital to identifying and arresting the suspect(s)."

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 806S of 18 July. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their website Crimestoppers-uk.org.