Police are appealing for witnesses to a sexual assault in Burley-in-Wharfedale, which is being linked to three indecent exposures.

All the attacks happened near the railway station. The indecent assault happened at about 6.30pm on Saturday, January 9, in William Fison Ride, near the junction with Jill Kilner Drive.

Two girls, aged 14 and 15, left the station and noticed a man near bushes speaking on a mobile phone.

They were followed as they turned towards William Fison Ride where the 15-year-old was assaulted by the suspect who then ran away. Neither girl was injured.

Detectives are linking the incident with three reported indecent exposures before Christmas, believed to be committed by the same man, one of which was in William Fison Ride.

The assault suspect was Asian, in his early 30s, stocky, and 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms, black footwear and a black face-covering which partially obscured his features.

Acting Detective Inspector Ben McDonald, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “We are linking these incidents, in which teenage girls have been targeted. We believe the same individual is responsible as all have occurred near the train station.

“I would ask anyone who has spotted suspicious activity, has information, or who saw a man fitting the description on William Fison Ride on Saturday, January 9, to contact us.”

Inspector Sue Sanderson, of the Ilkley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We would ask residents to be aware of what has happened, to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.

“Patrols have been stepped up around the station since the first of these incidents was reported and NPT officers are working with detectives to find the man responsible and reassure residents. Fortunately incidents such as this are very rare in Burley-in-Wharfedale.”

Anyone who has information should contact Airedale and North Bradford CID, on 0845 6060606, or Crimestoppers, in confidence on 0800 555 111.