Police appealing for information after 3 serious sexual assaults in Leeds
Police in Leeds are appealing for information after 3 serious sexual assaults.
Officers were called in the early hours of yesterday morning to Hyde Park.
Additional patrols are now in the area.
A Police statement said: "Police are appealing for witnesses or information after three serious sexual assaults took place in a Leeds park in a short period of time.
"The first two assaults happened in Hyde Park shortly before 2am in the early hours of yesterday morning (2/10).
"Two women were walking through the park when they were approached from behind by a man who sexually assaulted both victims. The victims shouted at the suspect who then ran off.
"Officers attended the scene and, while the victims were talking to them, a third woman came forward reporting that she had also been sexually assaulted in the park about 20 minutes earlier.
"Leeds safeguarding detectives have issued a description of the suspect. He is described as a male, of unknown ethnicity, aged around 30s to 40s, and of slim build.
"He was wearing a grey or black puffa coat with the hood up and jeans.
"The suspect was wearing a face covering up to his eyes which may have been a Covid type of face mask. He spoke with an English accent.
"Additional patrols have been stepped up in the Hyde Park area to reassure people living in the community."
Acting Detective Inspector Nicola Morton-Wiltshire of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit said:
“I would like to reassure the public that West Yorkshire Police is committed to tackling reports of violent crime and we understand the concern and worry this type of incident can cause within the community. As such people can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area.
“We are working hard to progress the investigation, and I would urge anyone who witnessed these incidents or has information that may assist our enquiries to please come forward.
“I would also ask that anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage of the offender running away, or drivers who may have noticed something suspicious in the area to please let us know.
“Likewise, anybody who may want to report a similar incident which has happened to them, please come forward and report it.”