Police patrols will be stepped up in Oxford city centre after a man exposed himself and sexually assaulted three women yesterday evening.

The man approached the first victim, a woman in her 20s, on Speedwell Street close to John Lewis at around 8pm yesterday (Thursday, March 21).

The stranger touched her inappropriately over her clothing before running off.

At around 10.10pm he exposed himself to another woman in her 20s outside The Porterhouse pub in Mill Street.

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He then touched her inappropriately over her clothing and ran off towards the end of Mill Street.

Five minutes later at around 10.15pm he sexually assaulted a third woman in her 20s on Oxpens Road, near Oxpens Lane.

The man, who she did not know, pushed the victim to the ground and touched her inappropriately over her clothing before running off towards the ice rink.

Police believe the three incidents are linked.

Local policing area crime manager for Oxford, Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Underhill, said: “We are taking these incidents extremely seriously and we are doing everything we can to pursue the offender.

“We believe the incidents are linked, with the same offender, but are keeping an open mind as part of our investigation."

Police will carry out extra patrols in the city centre tonight (Friday).

She said: “I understand the concern that this may cause, but I want to reassure communities that you will see extra police officers in the city centre.

"This includes an increased presence this evening, for as long as we need to, on top of our usual evening and late night patrols.

“Please speak to a uniformed officer if you are worried and have any questions.

“I would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious or feels worried about a potential incident to call 999 and report it to us."

The force has released an image of a man they want to speak to who they believe may have vital information.

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DCI Underhill said: “The man pictured, or anyone who recognises him, as well as anyone who witnessed or has information about the sexual assaults, should please come forward.

"Furthermore, anyone in the areas where the sexual assaults took place who has CCTV, or anyone with a dashcam who was driving in the areas at the time, should please check their recordings and get in touch if it shows anything that may be of use for our investigation."

Anyone with information or footage can report it through the police website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43240132163.

If you do not wish to speak to the police or want to report information anonymously, you can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or via its website.