Police have released CCTV footage of a man suspected of grabbing a woman and trying to pull her into a car park late at night after another woman reported being followed at the weekend.
The first attack, which occurred around 02:15 on Sunday 9 September on Springfield Road as the woman walked towards Val Plaisant and Trinity Road, saw the aggressor apologise before attempting to drag the woman from behind into a car park on Springfield Road.
But it was foiled when the woman lashed out with her keys and bit the man, who was described as being “muscular”, in his late 30s, 6ft tall and broad with short dark hair.
Police have since stepped up their efforts to find him, having this morning released CCTV footage showing the man believed to have committed the offence.
Video: CCTV footage released of the key suspect, who was dressed in black, but appears white due to some of the infrared cameras used.
At the same time, they revealed that a second similar incident involving a woman in her 30s happened on the weekend.
Police said that the woman had been walking home barefoot between 02:00 and 02:30 on Sunday after enjoying a night out in town when she noticed that a man was following her.
She had left a Mulcaster Street bar before walking through the Royal Square towards Bath Street and then onto Belmont Road. From there, she travelled along Simon Place before turning left into St. Saviour’s Road.
It was there, just as she approached the Monterey Hotel, that the man approached to ask if she was “ok.”
She then headed in the direction of David Place, and the man followed her all the way to her door. It was only when she challenged him, that he walked away. She then went inside.
The man was described by Police as: “...between 25 and 35 years old, approx. 5”8 tall and unshaven. He has dark hair, dark eyes and a tanned appearance, possibly Mediterranean and he spoke in broken English. He was wearing a knee length navy mac, zipped up to the neck.”
The woman involved was said to be 5”1 with shoulder length blonde hair, wearing grey trousers and a cream cropped leather jacket.
Police believe the two incidents could be connected, and are urging anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the areas involved to contact them urgently.
They added that they would particularly like to speak to a couple on St. Saviour’s Road who walked down Stopford Road at the time.
A spokesperson commented: “We remain open-minded to the possibility that both incidents concern the same offender and whilst thankfully incidents of this nature are rare in Jersey we would like to take this opportunity to advise the public to stay vigilant if walking alone at night.”
Anyone with information should call Police on 612612 or make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.