A COMMUNITY is being reassured after two women were assaulted in two separate incidents in the space of a few weeks.

Detectives are investigating night-time attacks on lone women at Littlemoor, both in the area of Louviers Road.

The most recent incident happened on Wednesday evening when a woman was grabbed from behind.

In both incidents the women involved, both in their 20s, bravely managed to fight off their attacker and were not physically hurt, but were understandably left shaken.

Dorset Police said officers are ‘keeping an open mind’ as to whether the two incidents are linked.

They want to hear from anyone else who has experienced anything similar or has been followed.

Residents are being urged to come forward if they saw anything or have any information that could help officers.

A force spokesman said the area’s Safer Neighbourhood Team would continue to engage with the community to offer reassurance and continue patrols of the estate.

Councillor for the area Mark Tewkesbury said it was ‘very concerning’ and urged residents to be vigilant.

He said: “This is the second incident of this nature in the last few weeks and I would like to think residents can work with the police to see if we can stop this from happening.

“Please tell the police if you know anything.”

In the first incident, a 21-year-old woman was pushed over by a man in the area of Louviers Road and Brisbane Road about 8.10pm on Saturday, October 24.

The victim kicked out, possibly making contact with the offender’s torso, and he ran off.

The offender was wearing dark coloured clothing and had a hood up.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday about 8.30pm, a man approached a woman as she was walking along an alleyway off Louviers Road near to the Top Club.

The offender grabbed the victim around the neck from behind.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, kicked the offender causing him to lose his grip and run away.

The offender is described as 5ft 2ins tall and was wearing dark jeans, a dark hooded top and possibly fingerless gloves.

Detective Constable Lucy Cummings, of Weymouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of Louviers Road at the relevant time to please call 101.

“I would also urge anyone else who may have experienced a similar incident, or been followed in the area, but has not yet reported it to the police to please call.”

Witness and anyone with information about either assault should contact Dorset Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.