Vigilance call after sex attacks

Posters have been distributed to catch the first attacker

Police investigating two sex attacks on teenage girls in a Cumbria town have urged women to be vigilant.

A 16-year-old girl was dragged behind bushes in Mossbay Road, Workington, and subjected to a serious sexual assault on 31 July.

Eleven days later, a man attempted to sexually assault another 16-year-old in Hunter Street, about a mile away.

Officers have not officially linked the two attacks, but have sought to reassure the public with extra patrols.

Det Supt Cath Thundercloud, of Cumbria Police, said: "It is extremely rare for two incidents of this nature to occur just over a mile apart in an area such as Workington and we are devoting significant resources to catching those responsible.

"We are reminding women to be mindful of their personal safety when out in the town.

"There are similarities between the Mossbay Road attack and the Hunter Street incident so a joint investigation is under way to ensure every avenue is thoroughly explored."

The offender in the first attack is about 22 years old and 6ft tall with a partially shaved eyebrow. Posters of his image have been distributed across the town.

In the second attack the victim, who was punched in the head, managed to make a call on her mobile phone and her attacker ran off.