POLICE have stepped up patrols and are urging people to be alert after two woman were followed in Southampton – one of whom was sexually assaulted.

In two separate incidents between 11.30pm and midnight on Sunday the man, who was riding a bike, approached the women and made sexually explicit remarks.

At around midnight a 20-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted over the top of her clothes in Bevois Valley Road at the junction with Rockstone Lane.

He also exposed himself and made sexually explicit remarks before cycling off in the direction of the Jury's Inn.

Around half an hour earlier, it was also reported a man approached a 23-year-old woman on Highcliff Avenue and made sexually explicit remarks towards her before cycling off.

Both of the woman were walking alone when the incidents took place.

Police have now launched an appeal in a bid to identify the man. He has been described as Asian, in his 20s, of a slight build and he had curly black hair. He was wearing a South Africa sports top, believed to be green and yellow.

Detective Constable Simon Stocker, from the Western Investigation Team, said: “We are conducting extensive enquiries to identify this man and we are urging anyone who may have seen a person matching this description in the Southampton area to contact us.

“This man has been reported to have carried out these crimes in quick succession last night, in a specific area of Southampton, targeting lone women.

“We would like to reassure the public that we have increased patrols in the Bevois Valley and surrounding areas and that we are actively pursuing all lines of enquiry in order to identify this person.

"We would like people to be alert to their own personal safety, but not alarmed.

“I am urging anyone who sees a man matching this description to get in contact and call 999.

"Alternatively, if you have information to assist us with this investigation call 101 and quote 44170313153.”