TWO vulnerable teenagers were sexually assaulted on buses in York, police have revealed.

North Yorkshire Police said detectives were investigating two separate incidents on the number 5 and 12 services, which they believe may be linked.

The first incident happened on Monday, November 26, when an 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by a man who sat next to her on the number 5 bus.

A police spokesman said the same man had previously made comments that made her uncomfortable and touched her inappropriately.

The man was described as "dark skinned, aged 40 to 60, of larger build, with short or shaved hair wearing a black jacket".

The force spokesman said the suspect had previously been seen travelling from Huntington Road towards York railway station at around 4pm on either the route 5 or 12 bus.

In the second incident, a 19-year-old woman was approached by a man twice as she travelled on the number 12 bus from Monkton Road into the city centre.

The police spokesman said: "On the first occasion he touched her hand inappropriately and made inappropriate comment.

"On the most recent occasion, on Wednesday, November 14, he sat near her and asked her questions that made her uncomfortable. He is described as black, around 40 years old, of fat build and balding. Police are currently working to establish whether the cases are linked to each other, or any other incidents."

Although the incidents all took place last month, North Yorkshire Police have only just released this appeal.

Anyone with information or who recognises the suspect is urged to phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Detective Constable David Allen.

Alternatively, email SCTyork@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 quoting reference 12180220537.