A POSSIBLE link between three sexual assaults in Swindon which happened within three days of each other has been ruled out by police.

Between September 2 and 4, incidents were logged in the town centre, Liden and Old Town, but as the investigations unfolded it became clear they were not related.

Police are now renewing a witness appeal for more information.

Barry Norris, 38, of Percy Jefferies Court, pleaded guilty to the town centre sexual assault outside New World Express restaurant in Regent Circus, and will be sentenced next month.

Norris was arrested under suspicion of assaulting all three female victims, but has now been eliminated from the Liden investigation.

That incident took place at about 5pm on Thursday, September 4 between Liden Lagoon and Austen Crescent.

A 21-year-old woman was physically and sexually assaulted by an unknown male.

The offender is described as white, of slim to medium build and aged in his late 20s to early 30s with ginger hair. He was wearing dark jogging bottoms, a white and grey top.

Detective Sergeant Liz Coles said: “Despite this incident taking place almost three weeks ago, I am still urging anyone who has information on it to come forward.

“The smallest amount of information might prove vital to this investigation. This was a serious attack which left the victim extremely distressed.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank those members of the community who have assisted Wiltshire Police so far and for their patience during any disruption the investigation has caused.

“I need the public to help us identity this man.

“Whilst we do not wish to alarm the public, it is vital that anyone who has information contacts us and that people are vigilant and mindful of their personal safety.”

DS Coles said 10 responses had been filed by the public since the initial witness appeal, but more information was needed to identify the Liden attacker.

There were several reported sightings of a ginger-haired male fleeing the area at the time of the incident and there was nothing to suggest the information officers are working with is incorrect.

A second scene, in Okus Road, was also under investigation in relation to a separate incident in which a woman was assaulted at about 9am on September 4.

Anyone with information can contact DS Coles at Swindon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault can call the New Swindon Sanctuary Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0808 168 0024.