POLICE investigating a sexual assault in York have arrested a man.

A woman in her 20s was walking along the cycle track off James Street at about 8.50pm on Sunday from Tang Hall when the man walked past her, then turned around and ran towards her.

A police spokesman said: "When he reached the victim, he put his right arm around her shoulders and his left arm between her legs and groped her.

"The victim tried to get her attacker off her by pulling his hair. She bit him near a thumb, shouted at him and hit him in the face. The victim then ran away towards Morrisons and the offender ran off along the cycle path in the direction of Melrosegate and Tang Hall."

Police today released this e-fit and encouraged anyone who recognised him to contact them.

York Press:

The suspect was 19 or 20, 6ft 2in to 6ft 3in, with slim build, with mousy brown, ear-length messy hair with a sweeping fringe, with a defined jaw line and a thin face. He was wearing black baggy bottoms and a black Superdry anorak with the hood up and Velcro fastenings under the chin.

Anyone with information which could help police, should phone 101, select option two, and ask for the York Serious Crime Team.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference 12170171706.

Police said investigations were ongoing into a second sex attack, which took place in Navigation Road at about 12.30am on Tuesday, September 26, and which officers believe was linked to the first assault.

The spokesman said a woman aged in her late teens had her bottom grabbed by a man as she approached the bridge.

The suspect was described as tall with a tanned complexion, aged in his late twenties, and he spoke with an English accent. He was wearing a dark grey hoodie with the hood up, and dark trousers or jogging bottoms.

Anyone with information about this incident or can help identify the suspect from the description, should phone North Yorkshire Police or Crimestoppers quoting reference 12170172779.

Police said on Wednesday afternoon that a 28-year-old local man had been arrested in connection with both incidents, and was currently being questioned by police.

York Press: Superintendent Adam Thomson.  Picture: Frank Dwyer.

Superintendent Adam Thomson

Superintendent Adam Thomson said "high-visibility patrols" were being carried out this week "to provide extra reassurance" to the public after this spate of sex attacks, and urged the public to avoid walking alone at night, and report suspicious people or incidents.

He said: “I fully understand the feeling of concern within the community following these worrying incidents. However, I can assure residents and visitors to York that the investigation team is working very hard to track-down those responsible and bring them to justice.

"While York is generally a very safe place to live and visit, this is a timely reminder for everybody, not just women, to follow basic safety advice by avoiding walking alone at night. We ask everybody to keep safe by walking in groups and to be vigilant of any suspicious behaviour."