Police have issued an image of a man on a bicycle police officers would like to trace following two reports of alleged sexual assault in Newcastle.
Northumbria Police said the first woman was walking on Howard Street, in Newcastle, on Sunday (June 25) at around 8pm, when a man on a bicycle reportedly touched her bottom as he went passed. He then made off.
Later that evening, at approximately 8:40pm, another woman was jogging on Newington Road when she realised a man on a bike was following her.
As the man rode passed her on his bike, he allegedly smacked her bottom and then made off.
Read more: Man released on bail as police inquiries continue into alleged nightclub sex attack
Officers from Northumbria Police have launched an investigation into both incidents, which police are treating as linked.
Officers have released an image of a man they wish to speak to regarding these incidents as they believe he may be able to help them with their enquiries.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Officers have released an image of a man who they wish to trace following two reports of sexual assault in Newcastle.
“Police received a report that at 8pm on Sunday, June 25, a woman was walking on Howard Street when a man on a bicycle touched her bottom as he rode past.
Read more: Rapist sentenced to 20 years for crimes described as 'violent' and 'despicable'
“The offender then rode off from the scene.
“On the same evening, at 8.40pm, a woman was out jogging on Newington Road in the city when she noticed a man on a bicycle following her.
“As the man passed her, he smacked her bottom with his hand before making off.
“A full investigation has been launched into both incidents, which police are treating as linked.
“Today (Monday), officers have released an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with their enquiries.
Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus Digital Subscription in our July offer for just £4 for 4 months of content. Click here.
“He was believed to be in the area that the sexual assaults took place and officers believe he may be able to help them with the investigation.
“Anyone with information should use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or call 101, quoting 080098A/23 for the Howard Street incident and 080172Q/23 for the Newington Road incident.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here