Police have warned women to take care if they are walking alone home after dark, a series of three sexual assaults in Hoxton which they believe were carried out by the same man.

The first incident happened on Tuesday December 15 just before 10.30pm, when the victim was walking along Provost Street towards Murray Grove, when a man walked past and sexually assaulted her.

The victim called out and the man stood and stared at her, and when she carried on walking and he walked off in the opposite direction.

The next offence occurred two days later on December 17 at around 2.30am, when the victim was walking along New North Road towards Mintern Street, when she noticed a man appear from one of the paths from the Wenlock Estate.

He turned towards her and sexually assaulted her as he walked past.

The third assault occurred on Wednesday December 23 at 10.30pm, when the victim was walking along Provost Street and noticed a man walking towards her. As they walked past each other the man grabbed hold of the victim and sexually assaulted her, but when she screamed the man walked off.

The man is described as white or light skinned Oriental in appearance, aged between 25 and 35 years, of slim build, around 6ft tall, with short dark hair and clean shaven.

He was described as wearing a dark hooded top, dark trousers and a dark jacket.

DC Debra Mackrell said: “We believe the same man to be behind all three incidents and are appealing for anyone with information or any witnesses to come forward.

“We don’t wish to alarm people but would like to advise you to take care if you are walking alone after dark.

“Be aware of your surroundings, tell a friend or family member where you are going and avoid remote areas with poor lighting.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference CR4632140/15 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.