THE head of policing in south Worcestershire has said the four sex attacks in Worcester are not being linked.

But West Mercia Police Superintendant Kevin Purcell said each of the four incidents – including a rape in Worcester Woods Country Park on Thursday, July 9 – was being thoroughly investigated.

He was speaking after a woman was sexually assaulted in Cranham Drive, Warndon, in broad daylight on Thursday, July 23.

Police said the victim was having a conversation with the suspect between 3pm and 4pm before he attacked her.

A 34-year-old man from Worcester was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault by penetration and has been released on bail until Sunday, August 2, pending further investigation.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the attack to come forward and are particularly keen to speak to a woman with a baby in a pram and a young girl who was seen in the area at the time.

This attack comes just 15 days after the rape in the Country Park, which was committed between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

Just over a week later a girl was sexually assaulted in Tunnel Hill early on Friday, July 17, and less than 24 hours later an 18-year-old woman was attacked in Portland Street at about 1am the following day.

Supt Purcell said each of the four attacks was being investigated as thoroughly as possible, but officers did not have reason to believe they were linked.

“This includes considering all available evidence around the scenes of the incidents, potential forensic evidence, descriptions of the alleged attackers, potential witness evidence and CCTV evidence, together with the exact circumstances of each reported offence,” he said.

“At this time we do not have clear links between the incidents and the reports do not lead us to believe that we are dealing with a series of attacks by a single person.

“Nevertheless I am clear that my officers should and are exploring every investigative opportunity which given the reports is exactly what should be expected.”

He added he understood many people had serious concerns around the attacks, but that everything is being done to track down the attackers and keep residents safe.

“I am aware of various speculation on social media which, whilst I understand is often inevitable, it is also misleading and may cause distress or concerns,” he said.

“We have increased patrols where appropriate.

“Investigations of the types we are undertaking are painstaking and leave no stone unturned.”

No one has been charged in connection with any of the three earlier attacks and police are continuing to appeal for information.

The rapist in the Nunnery Wood incident was described as white, middle aged with grey hair. He was wearing blue jeans.

The Tunnel Hill attacker was wearing a grey hooded top and blue tracksuit bottoms. Although a 33-year-old Worcester man was arrested in connection with the attack the same day, he was later released without charge.

The offender in the Portland Street attack was described as a white man between the ages of 30 and 40, of slim build, about 5ft 8ins tall with short, shaved hair and dark stubble. He was wearing a long dark and long sleeved top with a round top.

Data released last week showed 697 rapes were reported to West Mercia Police in 2014/15 – an increase of 75 per cent on the previous year – while sexual offences were up 44 per cent from 897 to 1,295.

Anyone with information on the Warndon sexual assault can contact police on 101 quoting reference number 043-s-230715.

Information about the Portland Street attack can also be reported using incident number 94-s-180715, 105-s-170715 for the Tunnel Hill incident or 778-s-070715 for the Nunnery Wood rape.

Information about these or any other crimes can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.