COPS are hunting a sex-attacking cyclist after ten women were assaulted on popular walking tracks in Manchester and Cheshire.
The frightening attacks come after the murder of Sarah Everard, 33, who vanished while walking home in Clapham, South West London.
Cheshire Police said the force received reports of three women being groped by a passing cyclist on the Trans Pennine Trail in Lymm last weekend.
In each of the incidents, the woman was approached from behind by a mountain biker who "touched them inappropriately" as he rode past.
The first incident happened on March 6 and two similar incidents occurred the next day.
It is feared the incidents could be linked to a seven similar sexual assaults around the Bridgewater Canal in Manchester.
Those seven attacks are being investigated by Greater Manchester Police and the two forces now working together on the case.
The seven incidents were reported along the canal towpath in Sale, Timperley and Old Trafford – and by the River Mersey – between March 2 and March 7.
The first of the seven took place at 6pm on March 2 on the Bridgewater Canal, Sale.
The second was reported to have happened at 6.20pm on March 3, also on the same stretch of the canal.
After a gap of a few days, the third reported incident took place at 9.20am on March 6, again on the same canal in Sale.
But it was the first of four incidents on March 6.
The next incident took place at 4.50pm on Bridgewater Way in Old Trafford.
Later, at 6.20pm, there was another incident reported on Little Ees Lane, Sale, close to the River Mersey.
Police also received a report of another incident on March 6 at 6.45pm by the River Mersey.
The seventh reported incident took place at 10.42am on March 7 on the Bridgewater Canal in Timperley.
The offender has been described by the cops as 5ft tall, slim and young-looking.
He has most often been described as wearing dark clothing.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "We have received reports of a man sexually assaulting women on the Trans Pennine Trail in Lymm over the weekend.
"On the three occasions reported to us, the suspect has approached victims from behind on a mountain bike, before touching them inappropriately while riding past.
"We are taking these incidents seriously, as it is causing distress to those who have been targeted by this man and we understand the concern it is causing in the community.
"Since Monday, we have been patrolling the area and are working with GMP who have had similar incidents reported to them.
"Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour should contact police on 101, or 999 if a crime is in action."
Previously a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault over the Manchester incidents.
'DISTRESS AND UPSET'
Detective inspector Dave Jones, of GMP, added: "Events like this can cause considerable distress and upset for those involved.
"We understand the concern and worry this can also cause for the wider community.
"I want to reassure you we are taking these reports incredibly seriously and currently have increased police patrols in the area.
"We would appeal to anyone who may have any concerns or information relating to these incidents to come forward and assist police with our enquiries.
"We'd also like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone else who feels they may have also been subject to a similar assault to please come forward and speak with police.
"Your report or concerns will be treated with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.
"There are also a range of specialist support services available across Greater Manchester."
The sexual assaults come after the murder of Sarah, who vanished on March 3 after leaving a friend's home to walk the 50-minute journey back to her flat in Brixton.
On Wednesday night, police said human remains were discovered in woodland in Ashford, Kent, that have since been confirmed as Sarah's.
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