A TEENAGER has been charged with attempted murder in connection with three attacks on women in Hampshire.

A 17-year-old boy from the Hilsea area of Portsmouth is charged with three counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

The youth has been remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court tomorrow.

It follows three assaults in the Portsmouth area in the last three weeks.

A 20-year-old woman was assaulted while walking along Southampton Road, opposite a block of flats on Ashurst Road, at 10.40pm on Friday, June 20.

She received a stab injury to the chest, which was serious but not life-threatening.

A 45-year-old woman was attacked walking along the shoreline of Ports Creek in Hilsea shortly after 11am on Sunday, June 29.

She sustained a stab wound to her chest.

A 66-year-old woman who was assaulted walking in an alleyway between Colwell Road and Northern Road in Cosham Shortly after 1pm on Friday, July 11.

The woman is recovering at home with her family.

Increased police patrols remain in place in the city to provide reassurance for the public.

Officers have urged people to remain alert and are asking anyone to report any suspicious behaviour by calling 101 – or 999 in an emergency.

A 30-year-old man from Waterlooville, was arrested on Friday July 11, was released without charge by police yesterday.