Two sex attacks in a North city may be linked, police say.

In the first incident, a 20-year-old woman was assaulted as she returned to her car in a car park off Westgate, in Ripon, North Yorkshire, at about 1am on Saturday, December 17.

The woman was pushed to the ground and subjected to a vicious sexual assault.

The second attack took place at about 11.30pm on Thursday, December 29, in Firby Road, Ripon.

A 17-year-old girl was grabbed from behind, but managed to escape before any serious assault had taken place.

On both occasions the offender was a powerfully built white male in his 20s or 30s, who may have been bald.

Anyone with information should call Harrogate CID on 01423 539334.