A SEX attacker who indecently assaulted two women in Sunderland is being hunted by police.

The first attack happened at 2.50am this morning (Sunday, March 23) when a 23-year-old woman was walking along Derby Road and was approached by a man who touched her inappropriately over the top of her clothing and spoke to her before walking off towards Tunstall Road.

The second incident happened between 5.40am and 5.50am at Toward Road, Sunderland, when a man approached an 18-year-old woman, touched her inappropriately and grabbed hold of her clothing. When the woman screamed the man ran off.

The man is described as being in his late 20s or early 30s, 5ft 9ins tall, of chubby build, with short dark hair and facial stubble. He was wearing a red jacket with white stripes on the sleeves and spoke with a high pitched Sunderland accent.

Detective Sergeant Les Goodliffe said: "Fortunately neither woman was injured in these incidents but they are both understandably shocked by what has happened.

"Neighbourhood officers are out and about in the area as part of the investigation and to reassure the community."

Anyone with any information or who recognises the man's description is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191 (quoting reference 233 230314) or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.