POLICE are urging women to be on their guard following two reports of sexual assaults on women in a Kent town.

Both incidents occurred while the victims were in Queen Street at Ashford.

On Monday between 8.35am and 8.45am a local woman was walking into work along Queen Street when a man approached her from an alleyway and grabbed her in a sexual manner from behind, causing her to turn around.

The offender then ran off along Norwood Street and around the corner towards the police station.

A similar incident was reported by a 24-year-old local woman as having taken place about two weeks previously, at the same time in the morning.

The offender ran the length of Queen Street and turned left towards the library and police station and out of sight.

The man is described as white, aged 20-30, 5ft 6in tall. He has a London accent. His hair is described as being brown, medium length, unkempt and wavy.

He was wearing very skinny drainpipe jeans, and arty-type plimsolls. He has also been seen on the footbridge leading to the town's Victoria Park.

PC Alex Lester said: “I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed either of these incidents to contact me at Ashford Police station.

“It is possible that this man has assaulted other women who have not reported it to the police.”

PC Lester can be contacted on on 01233 896231. Alternatively call Crimestoppers Hotline on 0800 555111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free, you do not have to give your name and you may be eligible for a reward.