POLICE have reissued an appeal for victims to come forward as they are investigating a series of assaults in Trowbridge.

Since mid-September, police have received three reports in which women have said they have been approached by a man who has then grabbed their bottoms before running off.

Shortly after 9pm on September 13, a 38-year-old woman was approached by a man near Orchard Court. The man grabbed her bottom and then ran away up the hill.

Around 9.30am on October 24, a 51-year-old woman was walking through the underpass by Polebarn Road when a man approached her from behind and touched her bottom. Hours later, a 49-year-old woman was walking along Dursley Road when a man grabbed her bottom as he walked passed her. He ran off towards County Way. The suspect is in his late teens, with light coloured hair, tall and of skinny build.

Community Policing Team Inspector for Trowbridge and Warminster Sectors, James Brain, said: “We are keeping an open mind in relation to these incidents, but we are exploring the possibility that all three incidents are linked.

“Although they may seem like minor incidents to some, for the people involved, these assaults have been somewhat upsetting and distressing.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have also been victim to a similar type of incident but did not think to report it. Even if the incident did not affect you emotionally, or cause you enough concern to call the police, we would ask that you get in touch as you may have vital information which could help us with our enquiries.

“Equally, we would be keen to hear from any witnesses to these incidents. Please get in touch.

“Meanwhile, I would like to reassure members of the local community that we are carrying out a thorough investigation into these incidents and understand the distress this type of behaviour can cause.”

Call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.