There has been a third sex attack on a riverside path in Hereford.

Police currently have a cordon in place between Hinton Road and King George V playing fields.

They say there was an assault there last night (Friday) in which a man grabbed a woman from behind and exposed himself. It happened between 9.45pm and 10.15pm.

The suspect is described as a white male with a local accent.

He was 5ft 7in tall, aged 35-40 and had a dirty appearance, with short, light blond hair.

He carrying a backpack and was wearing square-framed glasses and wearing black trousers and brown Police are particularly keen to trace a man who was walking a large white Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog along the path because they think he may have seen the suspect in the moments following the attack.

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Police say that if you are this man, or you know who he may be, you should get in touch with them.

Investigations are continuing today, with officers carrying house-to-house enquiries as well as reviewing available CCTV and video doorbell footage. Searches of the area will also continue.

The cordon will remain in place for much of today while evidence gathering continues.

What the police say

Superintendent Rebecca Love said: “I’m aware that there have been a number of incidents along the river path recently, and understandably this is causing concern within the local community.

“I totally understand these concerns and would like to reiterate that we are investigating all reports and are using our specially trained officers in supporting the victims.

“We have already increased patrols along the river paths, especially after dark, and these will continue. In addition, we are working closely with partners to discuss measures to increase the safety of these areas.”

Hereford Times: Police activity at the riverside in Hereford after a rape was reported on Sunday, July 31Police activity at the riverside in Hereford after a rape was reported on Sunday, July 31

“Lastly, we believe a man who was walking his white Staffordshire bull terrier along the river at the time could be a key witness and we would urge him, or anyone who may know who he is, to come forward.”

Anyone who was in the area last night and saw anything suspicious or have any information which may help the investigation is asked to report it online at www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/ quoting reference 717i of 12 August.

If you are unable to report online please call 101.

Previous reports of sex attacks

Police were also called to a spot near the Victoria Bridge shortly after 11pm on Sunday, August 7, when a victim told paramedics she had been raped.

A cordon was put up at paths around the bridge while investigations took place. 

A rape was also reported further down the river path, between Greyfriars Bridge and The Lines on Sunday, July 31. A man was arrested and bailed while inquiries continue.

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Talking of the first two attacks, Superintendent Edd Williams, local policing commander for Herefordshire, said earlier this week: “I understand that this incident will cause significant concern within the local community, particularly as there have been a number of similar ones in recent weeks.

“I’d like to reassure the public that we are taking these incidents incredibly seriously and thorough investigations are taking place. The victims are being supported by specially trained officers.

“There is nothing evidentially to link the recent incidents, however we are keeping an open mind and pursuing all lines of enquiry.

“There will be an increased police presence around the river paths over the coming weeks, particularly during the late evening and overnight.”

Even before this latest incident the attacks had shocked the community.

Hereford and South Herefordshire Labour Party, which is due to hold a community safety Q&A event next month with police, councillors, and other influential figures for the county, said they were worried by the crimes.

A spokesperson for the party said earlier this week: "The second potential rape case in Hereford is a truly shocking and worrying crime.

"This issue is incredibly complex and now more so than ever involving global influences and factors, such as the rise of Tiktok 'star' Andrew Tait, upon people's decisions to do this most horrendous and life-changing act.

"Closer to home, we may ask what is done locally."

Nationally over the last decade police have been cut back in numbers by the Government, while the local council have plans for increased CCTV operations, said the spokesperson.

The party wonders if more could be done through education to make sure there is a wide message in Herefordshire.

"This would, we hope, reduce future occurrences but doesn't deal with the here and now and the lack of safety for women, girls, and men, facing as they must an appalling abuse of power," said the spokesperson.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 28, at Hereford FC from 7pm to 9pm with speakers including chair of the community safety partnership councillor Ange Tyler, director of West Mercia Women's Aid Sue Coleman, and Maureen Scott-Douglas of Unite Union.

Police and health representatives will also be at the event.

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