Appeal for information after series of sexual assaults reported in Buxton

Officers investigating a series of reported sexual assaults in Buxton are appealing for information.

The latest incident took place close to the junction of the A515 and Harpur Hill Road at around 11.30pm on Friday 3 December. The victim, a woman in her 30s, was grabbed from behind by a man wearing dark clothing who sexually assaulted her. The woman was able to free herself from his grip and run home – she was not physically hurt.

This incident is the third report in recent weeks of a man sexually assaulting women in the town.

The first incident took place in Pavilion Gardens at around 10pm on 17 November and involved a teenage girl being sexually assaulted by an unknown man.

The second incident occurred two days later in Byron Street at around midnight where a man attempted to grab a woman in her 40s.

Detectives are now linking the three incidents and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward in order to help with their enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Bateman, said: “My team are currently working through a number of lines of enquiry in relation to these incidents and I would urge anyone who has any information to come forward.

“It may be that you know a man who has been acting differently in recent weeks, or you may have seen someone in the area at the time of any of the incidents who may be of interest to the team – all information is vital to ensure that we have as many opportunities to bring whoever is responsible for these incidents to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, including reference 21000705684:

• Facebook– send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter– direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website– complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/ContactUs.
• Phone – call us on 101.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.