Detectives were today investigating possible links between three separate sex attacks on women in a Bradford street.

They have warned females to take extra care while walking alone in Thornton Road after the latest victim was dragged into an alleyway by a man and assaulted during the evening rush-hour.

Extra uniformed police patrols have now been mounted in the area.

The latest attack took place on the 25-year-old woman at 6pm on Monday, near the junction with Weetwood Road, Girlington.

It has been described by police as a "serious sexual assault".

Last night, the traumatised woman, who suffered minor injuries, was being interviewed by specially-trained officers.

A team of detectives, led by Detective Superintendent Paul Kennedy, is investigating possible connections to two other sex attacks in Thornton Road.

The first occurred on November 21 last year when a 29-year-old woman was grabbed by a man as she walked alone in Thornton Road near Grattans at about 9.50pm. He fled when she shouted for help.

The attacker was described as being Asian, in his early 20s, of medium build, 5ft 8ins tall, and was wearing a cream jacket and blue jeans.

The second attack occurred on January 8, when a 17-year-old girl was grabbed by a man who groped and kissed her, then tried to drag her off the pavement at the junction between City Road and Thornton Road.

That attack also occurred at about 6pm. The girl struggled with her assailant, whom she described as a young Asian man, and managed to hit him and break free.

The victim of Monday's attack has also described her attacker as Asian, aged 18-22, 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build. He had a round face and was wearing a black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms and black training shoes.

Speaking about the latest attack, Det Supt Kennedy said: "This happened at a time of day when many people were driving home along Thornton Road. I would appeal to anyone who saw anything or has any information to contact the police.

"I would urge women to take extra care when walking in this area. Patrols of uniformed officers have been increased."

Anyone with any information about any of the attacks should contact Bradford North CID on 0845 60 60 606.

e-mail: paddy.mcguffin@bradford.newsquest.co.uk