July 22, 2019 3.12 pm This story is over 55 months old

Man arrested after third sexual assault on South Common

Two women and a young girl who reportedly sexually assaulted

A 23-year-old man has been arrested after a string of sexual assaults on the South Common.

Lincolnshire Police made the arrest after a third woman reported a sexual assault at the park.

The woman was approached by a man at around 2.20pm on Sunday, July 21 who then asked her for the time.

When she looked at her watch the man grabbed her, sexually assaulted her and then ran off from the allotments near the Cross O’Cliff Hill entrance to the common.

She is currently being supported by specialist officers, but the incident is being linked to two other reports of sexual assaults from earlier this month.

A young girl and a woman were reportedly sexually assaulted within two weeks of eachother at the start of the month.

The police were first called to an incident on July 5 around 7.30 pm, when a dog walker came across a distressed child.

Another dog walker called in on July 16 around 7 pm and said he witnessed a man sexually assault a woman.

In both instances, the young girl and the woman left the scene but the police are still keen to speak with them.

Officers are also treating an assault on Hermit Street at 8.45am around July 21 as linked to the other three incidents.

A man on a pushbike approached a woman and tried to begin a conversation with her.

He then reportedly tried to grab her arm, at which point she pulled her arm away and he left.

Lincolnshire Police has increased patrols on the South Common and lower High Street area since the reports.

Detective superintendent Pete Grayson said: “These are understandably concerning reports involving horrendous crimes and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

“We have responded with increased patrols in the areas in and around South Common and the lower High Street.

“Our enquiries into all four incidents are ongoing and we are keeping an open mind at this stage.

“I would urge people who have information, however insignificant they may think it to be, to contact us.

“Their information may prove crucial to our investigation.”

Anyone with information is being urged to call 101 and quote incident 260 of July 21.