The local police are urgently appealing for information from the public after a string of sexual assaults on women in the city have been linked together. The most recent incident took place in Killingbeck Fields, off Wykebeck Valley Road, on Tuesday, 23 May, and is believed to be connected to earlier assaults in the same area.
During the latest incident, which occurred between 1:10 pm and 1:20 pm, a male suspect approached a woman from behind and attempted to remove her clothing before fleeing the scene on foot. Earlier on the same day, at around 12:35 pm, another woman reported being touched over her clothing by a male at the same location. These incidents follow a previous sexual assault reported on 25 April in Killingbeck Fields, which was already under investigation.
Furthermore, investigators have now established a link between these incidents in Killingbeck Fields and three similar sexual assaults that occurred on 29 and 30 March in the car park of the Asda store in Killingbeck.
The suspect in these cases is described as a white male between the ages of 16 and 20, standing approximately 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, and wearing a black puffer coat.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lambert, from the Leeds District, expressed concern over the incidents and assured the community that neighbourhood officers have increased patrols to provide reassurance for residents and visitors in the area.
“While these offences have been investigated individually, we have now established a connection between them,” stated DCI Lambert. “We urgently need the community’s help in reporting any suspicious behaviour witnessed in the Killingbeck area. No matter how insignificant it may seem, any information could prove vital as we continue to investigate these extremely concerning offences.”
The victims of these assaults are receiving support from specially trained officers of the Safeguarding Unit. Authorities are also urging anyone who has experienced a similar offence or has concerns about the behaviour of an individual in the area to come forward.
The Leeds District Safeguarding Unit can be contacted at 101 or via the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website. Please reference 13230285554 when providing information related to this case.
In connection with the ongoing investigation, a 19-year-old man has been arrested and subsequently released on bail. The police are continuing their efforts to gather information and bring the perpetrator to justice.
The police are reminding everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions while in the Killingbeck area.
