News / Crime

Multiple women targeted in spate of incidents in Bristol

By Mia Vines Booth  Wednesday Mar 27, 2024

Police are appealing for information after multiple women were targeted by a man in Bristol, including three involving a knife.

Avon and Somerset Police said they were keeping an open mind about a potential link after five incidents were reported, and said there were some similarities in the descriptions given by each woman.

Each told police their assailant wore a balaclava or face covering. Two say he was dressed all in black while one described him as wearing a grey tracksuit.

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The ages given by the women varied between mid-teens and mid-twenties, height between 5ft 4ins and 5ft 8ins, and other descriptions varied between “mixed heritage”, “Asian” and “Black”.

A police spokesperson said: “Three happened between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday 20 March.

“A woman in her twenties was in Ferry Street when a man approached her and produced a knife. He didn’t speak before running away.

“A second woman, also in her twenties, was approached in Picton Street by a man with a knife in his hand who ran off after being disturbed by a passer-by.

“A man approached the third woman, who is in her thirties, in Sydenham Road and she saw a knife in a sheath. He ran off after the woman called for help to a passing cyclist.

“On Friday 22 March just before 9.30pm a man approached a woman in Redcliff Street. He claimed to have a knife, but none was seen, before indecently assaulting her over her clothing and attempting to take her phone.

“At about 4.30pm on Monday 25 March a man indecently assaulted a girl aged 14 near Somerset Square.”

They added: “Each incident last week was attended by officers, with no trace of a suspect. Monday’s incident was reported on Tuesday, March 26, with officers due to speak with the child later. CCTV and other enquiries continue.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage from the relevant dates and locations or who has any other information.”

Main photo: Betty Woolerton

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