Aberdeen assaults 'could be linked'

Assaults on two women in Aberdeen could be linked, police have warned.

An 18-year-old woman was attacked in Lord Hay's Grove, near Don Street, around 11:45pm on Monday night.

Grampian Police have now said that the incident could be linked to an earlier assault on a 20-year-old woman in Don Street. This attack took place at the junction with Seaton Stables around 12:30am on Saturday.

In last night's attack, a man approached from behind and grabbed the woman who screamed and struggled. A car heading in the direction of Hillhead Halls of Residence then came on the scene, apparently startling the man who ran off up the hill in the direction of the halls.

The assailant is described as being aged between 21 and 30, around 6ft tall and slim, wearing a black T-shirt and dark trousers.

Detective Inspector Matt Mackay, who is leading the enquiry, said: "It is fortunate that the car came on the scene and frightened off the male. The young woman, though uninjured, was shaken and upset by the incident.

"We are anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen a male answering the assailant's description in the area around the time of the Monday night incident to contact us. We are particularly anxious to speak to the car driver who passed the scene of the incident and whose headlights illuminated the woman's attacker. The driver did not stop but slowed down as he passed and he may well have information which could assist the enquiry.

"We are also anxious to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the Saturday incident or saw anything suspicious in the area around that time to contact us."

In Saturday's incident, a 20-year-old female with long blonde hair, blue jeans and a hooded top was assaulted by a man who engaged her in conversation before grabbing her, causing her to fall. The man then ran off.

The suspect is described as being local to area and having a pierced eyebrow.

Police said that the woman was "extremely upset" by the incident. She was not badly hurt, but attended Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for a check-up.

DI Mackay said: "These two incidents occurred in the same area just a few days apart and it is possible they may be linked. At this stage it is not known if there was a sexual motive to the attacks. We are keeping an open mind."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Grampian Police on: 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/SP)