DETECTIVES have warned women to be on their guard amid fears that a serial sex attacker could be on the loose.

The warning comes after two young women were assaulted in separate incidents in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

In the first incident, a 20-year-old was subjected to a vicious sexual assault as she returned to her car in a car park off Westgate at about 1am on Saturday, December 17.

She was approached from behind and pushed to the ground. She was so traumatised by the ordeal that it was several days before she could give details of the attack.

The second incident took place at about 11.30pm last Thursday in Firby Road. A 17-year-old was grabbed from behind and threatened by a man.

However, she managed to break free, then ran and hid before summoning help.

Detective Inspector Kevin Ross, who is leading the investigation, said: "There is a possibility the attacker may strike again. People needn't be terrified, they should just take sensible precautions.

"If I was a young female going out in Ripon this weekend, I would think carefully how I was getting home."

DI Ross has urged witnesses to come forward.

He has also appealed for any other information that may be relevant, adding: "It could be that you heard something in your local pub or it could be that your partner has been acting strangely.

"We would also appeal for any information on previous incidents."

DI Ross believed the attacks could be linked as they occurred in the same area.

Descriptions given by the two women and the methods used also matched.

Police are working on an e-fit of the attacker.

The assailant is described as a powerfully-built white man in his 20s or 30s, who may have been bald or had a shaved head.

He wore sports clothing and, on the first occasion, possibly a baseball cap.

He smelled strongly of alcohol and cigarettes.

Anyone with information should call Harrogate CID on (01423) 539334.