POLICE have stepped up patrols in East Oxford amid fears a sex attacker is on the loose.

Two women were sexually assaulted in Southfield Road yesterday morning.

And the attack is being linked to a similar attack in the area early on Sunday morning.

Last night officers urged women to be vigilant and make sure they stay in groups when walking home, particularly at night.

The two women, aged 20 and 19, were walking together along the road at about 2.47am when a man jumped out from a bush and sexually assaulted them.

One of the women pushed the man away and they managed to run off.

On Sunday, a 21-year-old woman was walking along Cowley Road and into Southfield Road at about 3am when a man grabbed her and tried to pull her into an alleyway.

The victim managed to escape.

Sgt Claire Storry said: “We are linking the two offences because they happened in the same street and the descriptions given by the victims are similar.

“We have increased patrols and neighbourhood teams and shift officers have been informed.

“The area will receive more attention until whoever responsible is in custody.”

In all three cases the attacker was described as oriental or Asian, in his 20s.

He was said to be about 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall, of slim to medium build and with short black hair, possibly in tight curls.

The first victim said he had a flat nose.

Sgt Storry said women needed to take extra precautions in the East Oxford area.

She said: “We do not want anyone to panic, but people do need to remain vigilant.

“Although men are also at risk of sexual assault, in these three cases it was women who were targeted.

“As always, we would advise people never to walk home alone and if you are making your way home late at night, it is advisable to arrange a lift.”

The attacks come less than a month after a woman was pulled into a secluded area behind Baby Simple in Cowley Road and attacked. The 26-year-old was walking along the road early on May 7 when a man dragged her under a staircase at the back of the bar, near Divinity Road.

The attacker fled when he was challenged. A 16-year-old was later arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting the woman and was released on police bail until July.

Police do not believe the most recent assaults are linked to this attack.

  • If you have any information call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously.