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Series of sex attacks on students Series of sex attacks on students
(about 2 hours later)
One man is thought to be responsible for a series of sexual assaults on female students in Loughborough, police have said.One man is thought to be responsible for a series of sexual assaults on female students in Loughborough, police have said.
In the first incident last October, he subjected a student to a serious sexual assault. Since then, he has twice grabbed women walking home at night.In the first incident last October, he subjected a student to a serious sexual assault. Since then, he has twice grabbed women walking home at night.
Police described the attacks as "cowardly and nasty" and are advising women to walk in groups at night.Police described the attacks as "cowardly and nasty" and are advising women to walk in groups at night.
The man is described as white, in his 20s, around 6ft with short dark hair.The man is described as white, in his 20s, around 6ft with short dark hair.
Loughborough University and the students' union urged students to remain calm but to be on their guard.Loughborough University and the students' union urged students to remain calm but to be on their guard.
Extra vigilant
In a joint statement with the union, the university's registrar, John Town, said there was an "intensive safety awareness campaign" in place and security guards were regularly patrolling the campus.In a joint statement with the union, the university's registrar, John Town, said there was an "intensive safety awareness campaign" in place and security guards were regularly patrolling the campus.
This man has carried out cowardly and nasty attacks which have left his victims extremely distressed Det Insp Simon Hurst, Leicestershire Police
"Clearly our main priority is the safety of our students and staff and an e-mail has been sent to everyone at the university, advising people to be extra vigilant and providing information on how to stay safe.""Clearly our main priority is the safety of our students and staff and an e-mail has been sent to everyone at the university, advising people to be extra vigilant and providing information on how to stay safe."
In a series of attacks that began in October he has targeted women in their early 20s and one teenager.In a series of attacks that began in October he has targeted women in their early 20s and one teenager.
ATTACKS ON STUDENTS 15 October 2006 Sex assault on 21-year-old student in Epinal Way16 OctoberStudent, 23, followed and confronted in Curzon Street30 NovemberWoman, 20, assaulted near university in Coniston Crescent21 December19-year-old is pulled into bushes in Westfield Drive3 FebruarySex assault on 21-year-old near Granville Street
They have taken place in the early hours and he is believed to have been drinking before a number of the attacks.They have taken place in the early hours and he is believed to have been drinking before a number of the attacks.
Det Insp Simon Hurst, of Leicestershire Police, said: "This man has carried out cowardly and nasty attacks which have left his victims extremely distressed and we need to stop him.Det Insp Simon Hurst, of Leicestershire Police, said: "This man has carried out cowardly and nasty attacks which have left his victims extremely distressed and we need to stop him.
ATTACKS ON STUDENTS 15 October 2006 Sex assault on 21-year-old student in Epinal Way16 OctoberStudent, 23, followed and confronted in Curzon Street30 NovemberWoman, 20, assaulted near university in Coniston Crescent21 December19-year-old is pulled into bushes in Westfield Drive3 FebruarySex assault on 21-year-old near Granville Street
"We know that on at least on occasion, the first incident, he was heavily intoxicated, very drunk. He also smelt of alcohol on subsequent occasions in the attacks."We know that on at least on occasion, the first incident, he was heavily intoxicated, very drunk. He also smelt of alcohol on subsequent occasions in the attacks.
"He is not concerned about operating within areas where there are CCTV and he doesn't cover up or conceal his face from his victim, so he has no fear of being identified.""He is not concerned about operating within areas where there are CCTV and he doesn't cover up or conceal his face from his victim, so he has no fear of being identified."
He appealed to any women who may have suffered similar attacks to contact the police.He appealed to any women who may have suffered similar attacks to contact the police.
He also asked anyone who was in the areas of the attacks when they took place to get in touch.He also asked anyone who was in the areas of the attacks when they took place to get in touch.
Specially trained staff would be available to help any victims.Specially trained staff would be available to help any victims.
Officers are advising women to carry an alarm and to never take shortcuts through dark alleys or across open ground.Officers are advising women to carry an alarm and to never take shortcuts through dark alleys or across open ground.