Three sex attacks in Leeds suburb ‘may be linked’

POLICE said today three sexual assaults on women in the Headingley area of Leeds may be linked.
Scene of the latest incident: Newport View, Headingley, Leeds. Picture: Google MapsScene of the latest incident: Newport View, Headingley, Leeds. Picture: Google Maps
Scene of the latest incident: Newport View, Headingley, Leeds. Picture: Google Maps

Police are appealing for information on the latest incident, in which a 25-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by a man who had followed her in Newport View some time between 2am and 3am on Saturday, March 22.

The suspect is described as black with a dark skin tone and aged in his twenties.

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Detectives believe the incident could be linked to two earlier offences in the same area which involved a similarly described suspect.

At about 11.45pm on Friday, March 7, a 19-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, by a man who approached her from behind. He ran off when witnesses nearby shouted at him.

On March 8, a 20-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by a man near the junction of St Michael’s Lane and Cardigan Road at about 12.15am. He ran off when the victim resisted.

Det Inspector John Dexter, of Leeds District CID, said: “There are some clear similarities between these offences and we are looking at whether they are all linked. We are conducting extensive enquiries into these incidents and have made arrests.

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“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are aware of these incidents and have mounted additional patrols in the area. Our advice to women remains the same as it would at any other time. We would ask that they always give consideration to their personal safety, particularly late at night, and think about how they will get home. Ideally travel by bus or taxi or walk with a group of friends if they have to walk.”

Witnesses should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two men, aged 24 and 32, have been arrested in connection with the incidents and are currently on police bail pending further enquiries.