Picture Ref: 78736-67WOMEN have been warned to be careful after two attacks in a Swindon park.

Police say the attacks could be linked. In the latest incident a mother managed to fight off her attacker and get away after he indecently assaulted her in Lawn Woods yesterday.

And on Monday, July 25, a man approached a woman making sexually explicit comments and simulating sexual actions.

Yesterday a 40-year-old woman was shaken but unharmed after her ordeal. She was walking through Lawn Woods at around 7.30am on her way to work in Old Town when she was attacked.

The victim had just reached the walkway leading from the woods to the High Street, opposite the Fusion bar when she was approached by a stranger.

The man, believed to be in his early twenties, indecently assaulted her before she managed to push him off and run away. Insp Paul Hawkins, of Swindon police, said: "I cannot rule out that they are linked. There is a possible link and obviously we will be investigating that.

"Women should not walk alone in that area. If you do have to walk alone stay to well-lit areas, close to housing and main roads.

"Purchase a rape alarm from the Safer Swindon Shop in Havelock Street. These would appear to be similar offences. We are investigating both to see if there is a connection." Speaking about the latest victim police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar, said: "The victim was so shaken by her ordeal that she could not go to work."

The suspect was white, 5ft 7in, and slim. He was closely shaven with sandy-coloured hair and he wore light-coloured jogging bottoms with paint marks and a baseball cap.

Police are keen to trace a young woman with a pushchair who passed the victim prior to the assault.

Call PC Claire Penelrick at Swindon police on 01793 528 111 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Gareth Bethell