DETECTIVES are appealing for information following three sexual assaults on women in Leeds in as many days.

The incidents occurred in the Little London, Headingley and Woodhouse areas between Wednesday and Friday last week, and involved a similarly-described male on each occasion.

At about 7pm on Friday, 5 February, a 30-year-old woman was walking along Lovell Park Road towards Little London, when she was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted.

She screamed and the male ran off down some stairs towards Primrose Circus.

She then saw him again and he ran off through the tunnel that leads to Oatland Court.

He was described as black, aged 15 to 18, slim and had afro-style hair. He was wearing black thick-rimmed glasses, a grey hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms.

At 5.10pm on Thursday 4 February, a 19-year-old woman was sat at a bus stop in Otley Road, Headingley, near the junction with St Anne’s Road.

A male sat down next to her for about ten minutes before sexually assaulting her. She challenged him and he walked off towards Headingley.

He was described as black, slim, young and had short hair. He was wearing sporty clothing, police say.

At about 5pm on Wednesday 3 February, a 29-year-old woman was walking along Grosvenor Hill, Woodhouse, close to the junction with Servia Hill, when she crossed paths with the suspect who was walking in the opposite direction.

He turned back and grabbed the victim from behind and sexually assaulted her, before running away.

He was described as black or mixed race, aged around 14 years, 5' 7" tall, slim and with afro-style hair. He was wearing a dark blue tracksuit with stripes.

Detective Inspector Michael Herbert, of Leeds District CID, said: “We are linking these incidents based on the locations, circumstances and suspect descriptions and are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the person responsible.

“We would like to hear from anyone who has witnessed any of these incidents or may have seen the suspect in the areas at the time. If anyone has been approached by him in similar circumstances but not reported it, then we would like to hear from them too.

“CCTV in the area of the most recent offence on Friday shows it was quite busy with cars and people on foot at the time, and anyone who witnessed that incident, saw the suspect in the area or who may have relevant dashcam footage is asked to contact us immediately.

“We recognise that incidents such as this will cause understandable concern in the community and we are liaising closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team to provide increased patrols while we continue to progress the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101, quoting crime reference 13210062195, or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.