This in from the Police, in their own words. Ed
Police are appealing for witnesses following four linked sex offences in Newport which took place in late February and early March.
A man has been arrested in connection with all four incidents.
The first incident took place on Friday, February 24 just after 10.45pm. A man stood on the corner of East View and Trafalgar Road indecently exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl walking up Trafalgar Road.
Second incident more serious
The second incident occurred on Old Westminster Lane between 12.30 and 1.30am on Saturday, March 3.
A 22-year old woman was sexually assaulted. The woman managed to push the man away and ran off.
Exposure to group
The third incident took place at around 11pm on Saturday, March 3 in the area of Portland Street, East View and Trafalgar Road.
A man indecently exposed himself to a group of women aged between 18 and 25. The women were with a group of men who chased the man, but he disappeared.
Another sexual assault
An 18-year-old woman was also sexually assaulted as she walked along Terrace Road, just after 4am on Sunday, March 4. The woman managed to get away from the man.
None of the women were injured as a result of the incidents; however they have been left very shocked and shaken by what happened.
Appealing for more witnesses
Det Con Victoria Hayward said: “We have received a number of responses to our appeal for witnesses after a 22-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Old Westminster Lane, Newport in the early hours of Saturday, March 3.
“We are also appealing for any witnesses who were in the Terrace Road area of Newport between 3.45 and 4.15am on Sunday, March 4.
“We are particularly keen to speak to a man who was seen walking in the area wearing light coloured top with thick darker horizontal stripes who may be have seen what happened and can offer further information to assist with the ongoing investigation.
“We would also be keen to hear from anyone else who has witnessed a male acting lewdly or suspiciously in the area. Incidents like this are rare on the Isle of Wight.
“Police have been working closely with licensed premises, conducting extra patrols and distributing personal safety leaflets in the town. As always women are advised not to walk alone after dark, try to arrange to walk with someone, arrange a lift or take a taxi.”
Get in touch
Anyone with information which may be able to assist officers should contact CID at Newport police station on 101.
Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
