Warning over sex attacker

SCHOOLGIRLS have been targeted by a man being sought by police in connection with two indecent assaults in Crowborough and an approach made in Uckfield.

Community colleges in both towns have been warned about the man who struck when the girls were walking to school. He is described as in his early 20s with short dark hair, an olive complexion, a European or foreign accent and 5ft 4in tall.

The first attack was on a 13-year-old girl who was indecently assaulted in Luxford Road, Crowborough, at 8am on June 19.

A week later, on June 26 at 8.25am, a 16-year-old girl was assaulted in a similar location in Crowborough.

The next morning, June 27, a 17-year-old girl was approached by a man fitting the description and 'spoken to inappropriately' in Linden Chase, Uckfield.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Weald CID on 0845 60 70 999 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A police spokeswoman advised women to avoid walking alone and keep to busy, well used roads.

It was most important that they remained alert about what was going on around them and walked confidently. They could invest in a personal shriek alarm or perhaps carry a mobile phone.

'People should report anything happening to the police no matter how insignificant it seems. If you are approached by somebody, keep calm, don't encourage any conversation and head towards a busy area where other people are and shout loudly,' she said.