Attacks on Bideford women on New Year's Day could be linked

Bideford police are investigating the possibility that two separate attacks on two women in the early hours of New's Day in Bideford could be connected.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the assaults which took place within an hour of each other on Bideford Quay and East the Water.

In the first attack, a 17 year-old female was assaulted on The Quay next to 'Radfords' tobacconists at around 12.30am on New Year's Day. The young woman did not suffer any injuries and managed to push her male attacker off her and run away.

The second attack took place near Station Hill, Torrington Lane, in East the Water, when a 65 year-old woman was attacked as she walked home from town and was assaulted as she lay on the ground. She suffered minor injuries.

Both attacks were completely unprovoked. There is no description of the offender or offenders at present, but investigators are looking into the possibility that the same person, or people, are responsible for both attacks.

Police believe there could be witnesses to the assaults as the area was busy with people seeing the New Year in.

Police are now appealing to members of the public to contact them with any information, however insignificant they feel it may be. If you saw anything that may assist the investigation, then please contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 quoting police reference CD/12/20 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org