Assault at Burbage Common

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was touched inappropriately by a man on Burbage Common.

The victim reported the incident as having happened at around 8.10pm on Tuesday 23 July.

The suspect approached the woman as she was walking her dog. He spoke to her before reaching out and touching her chest.

The victim ran off back to her car and left the area.

The suspect has been described as white, aged between 30 - 40-years-old, chubby build with brown close-shaven hair. He wore glasses, a grey T-shirt with black writing and blue jeans.

Detective Constable Paul Hicks, the investigating officer, said: “We would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area and saw a man matching this description.

Police are considering if three reports of a man seen acting suspiciously in Smithy Lane might be linked, however, the description of the man is different.

At 5.30am on Sunday (22 July) a man was seen near a car which was parked in the woods. The caller felt his behaviour was unusual and reported the sighting.

Also on Sunday, at 2.30pm, a man approached a woman who was sat in her car. He spoke to her which made her feel uneasy and she drove off.

Later that day, at 8.40pm, a dog walker was approached by a man who asked to walk with her. The woman refused and walked back to her vehicle.

Following these reports officers are carrying out routine patrols in the area but are asking the public to be mindful of their surroundings and think about their personal safety.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote crime reference 19*386700.