DETECTIVES are appealing for information following a sexual assault on a woman in Leeds yesterday - which is being linked to a series of similar incidents which took place last week.

A 55-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by a male as she walked on Lovell Park Road, Little London - near to the steps that lead to the Oatland flats - at about 6.15pm.

As she called the police, the suspect left the scene.

He was described as black, aged about 15  and was wearing a black hoody and glasses.

The incident is being linked to three other sexual assaults on women that occurred in the Little London, Headingley and Woodhouse areas between Wednesday and Friday last week.

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 then ran off down the steps 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 with 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 to 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 with short hair. He was wearing sporty clothing.

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, 5ft 7ins tall, slim, and with afro style hair. He was wearing a dark blue tracksuit with stripes.

Detective Inspector James Entwistle of Leeds District CID, said: “We are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries into these incidents and would still like to hear from anyone who has witnessed any of them, particularly last night’s offence, or who has any information that could assist the investigation.

“We are continuing to liaise closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who are increasing their patrols of the areas involved to deter any further incidents and reassure the community.

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.