POLICE are investigating following reports two women were assaulted in separate incidents in Basildon today (Monday, 15 February) which they are treating as being linked – and they could be connected to two other incidents in the vicinity in recent weeks.

And police has responded by increasing patrols in the immediate area.

A woman in her 20s was assaulted by a man in Pamplins at around 2.30pm and then, shortly before 3pm, another woman reported being approached from behind by a man in Nether Priors and sexually assaulted.

In both incidents the man is described as black, and wearing a light grey or white coat, and dark tracksuit trousers.

A police statement says: "We are treating the two incidents as linked are investigating whether they may be linked two other incidents in Basildon earlier this month.

"A woman reported being followed by a man in the Broadhurst Place at around 2pm on 5 February then, at around 5.40pm in the Wickhay area, a woman reported a man had approached her from behind and grabbed her.

"In both incidents the description of the man matches that given of the man involved in the incidents today. We know these will be concerning incidents and have extra high visibility and plain clothes patrols taking place in the area.

"If you have any information about the incidents please call us on 101 quoting incident 619 or 660 of 15 February or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."