Police appeal after two Exeter sex attacks

DETECTIVES have launched a major investigation into two serious sexual assaults in as many days on women in the city.

A manhunt for the attackers is now under way and police are appealing for any information about the incidents.

Police, who released the information yesterday, are currently treating the attacks, which both happened in the early hours of the morning, as unrelated.

The first attack happened in Gladstone Road, Exeter.

The victim  was walking along Heavitree Road where she was approached by a man. He walked with her to Gladstone Road, where he   assaulted her.

The incident happened on Saturday, June 27, at around 2.30am.

Her attacker is described as short with cropped dark hair and a shiny earring in his left ear.

Police say it is not known which route he took as he left  the scene.

The second incident happened at around 3.30am on Sunday, June 28, in Flowerpot Fields, Exeter.

Police say the victim became aware of a man walking behind her as she walked down the steps at the catacombs,  from the  city centre.

The man tried to engage her in conversation and walked beside her down the steps and over the Millennium Bridge, where he subjected her to an assault.

He continued across the fields in the direction of Exwick.

The man in the second incident is described as white, in his early 20s, and  slim.

He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a light-coloured shirt, or T-shirt, and jeans.

Police have issued a warning to women not to walk alone at night.

Detective Inspector Steve Parker, of Devon and Cornwall police, said: “It is unusual to have two such serious incidents within the space of one weekend.

“At this stage there appears to be no link between the two incidents.

“Both victims were left traumatised by the events and are receiving support from specially trained police officers. Although I cannot reveal the nature of the attack at this time, for operational reasons, it is fair to say that they were of a serious nature and both victims were left upset and extremely traumatised.”

He added: “While such events are rare, members of the public can take steps to protect themselves from such attacks, such as walking with a friend or taking a taxi home.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have information regarding these offences to contact the incident room and quote the log numbers provided — DE/09/7180 and DE/08/7234 respectively — so we can progress the enquiry quickly.”