A 38-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and rape following two incidents in the town on Friday evening.

At around 5pm, a 21-year-old woman from Swindon was physically and sexually assaulted while walking between Liden Lagoon and Austin Crescent.

Later that night, at 9pm, a separate incident took place in Okus Road in Old Town.

A man from Swindon town centre is currently in custody, but police are still wary as to whether the two incidents are linked.

Spt Andrew Carr, Superintendent for Swindon, said increased patrols will continue and police are still appealing for any witnesses to the incidents.

“We arrested someone on Monday night, a 38-year-old man from Swindon, on suspicion of sexual assault and rape," he said.

“We are still open minded as to whether the two assaults are linked and we are still appealing for witnesses and reminding people to be aware of their personal safety.

“Make sure someone knows where you are going when you leave the house, and what time you will be back, keep your mobile fully charged, and stay safe it you think you are being followed.

"Make sure you plan your journey and do not worry if you call and it is a false alarm.

“Increased patrols have been put in place in both locations during the weekend and will continue into the week. While we do have someone under arrest we still have a lot of work to do.

“This arrest was the result of excellent work around CCTV investigations, and he has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and rape which allows us to do a lot of work around forensics.”

Anyone with any information about the incidents should contact DS Liz Coles at Swindon CID on non-emergency number 101.