Female students at Cambridge University have been warned not to go out alone at night after police revealed a hooded serial sex attacker is on the loose in the historic city.
Detectives have launched a major manhunt for a hooded pervert who has attacked six women, some of whom were students, late at night.
His victims, who are all in their 20s and 30s, told police that their screams were smothered with a gloved hand as he grabbed them from behind.
Police contacted Cambridge University colleges following an attack on a 27-year-old woman on Monday after the sex pest “went quiet for a time”.
The victims were all grabbed from behind late at night and indecently assaulted through their clothing.
Detective Inspector Billy Bremner, investigating the case, said that police have increased patrols in the area and are conducting house to house inquiries.
He said: “These six unpleasant incidents have striking similarities and we are linking them at this time.
“Up until now the offending has been at the lower end of the scale and there is nothing to suggest they have increased in severity.
“That said, it is important we catch who is responsible as soon as possible and we shall endeavour to do that.
“The offender grabs the victim from behind, covers her month.
“He then touches her over her clothing. He has not made any attempt to remove any clothing. On each occasion the offender has run off when the victim screamed.”
The spokesman added that experts are trying to create a photofit image of the attacker who is described as white, aged 20 to 30 and 5ft 10in to 6ft tall.
He is of medium build, physically strong, wears a black jacket over a grey hooded jumper and is thought to have short dark hair and stubble.