The PSNI are probing a potential link between two separate assaults on teenage girls by an unknown male in west Belfast on Wednesday evening.
Separate incidents were reported to the PSNI of two teenage girls being attacked by a man dressed in dark clothing in the Lenadoon and Lagmore areas, with the latter being treated as a sexual assault by police.
On both occasions the assailant fled the scene on foot after the incident.
The PSNI is investigating whether the two incidents may be linked, while Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Paul Maskey has appealed for young people in the area to be vigilant.
“I have spoken to the PSNI regarding a number of incidents in the Upper Falls and the Colin Area in recent nights,” Mr Maskey said.
“I understand that the PSNI are investigating these incidents and I’m asking people to be vigilant especially young people.
“If anyone notices something suspicious please report to the PSNI.”
The PSNI said two teenage girls were left badly shaken after one of their clothing had been pulled by a suspect who then fled to a wooded area.
“It was reported that at approximately 11pm, two teenage girls were approached by a man as they walked along the Lagmore Avenue area,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
“He pulled at the clothing of one of the girls before making off on foot towards a wooded area leaving both girls badly shaken.
“The man is described as being around 6 feet tall, of average build and was wearing a black coat with the hood up and white shoes. “We are investigating a possible link between this and a similar incident in the Upper Suffolk Road area earlier that evening and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault or to anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with enquiries to call officers at Woodbourne on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1338 26/09/24.”
In an earlier incident, it was reported a man approached two teenage girls as they walked along the Upper Suffolk Road at around 8pm.
The PSNI said the man pulled at one of the teenage girls’ clothing and was then pushed her to the ground during the assault. It was reported that the suspect then made off on foot in the direction of Lenadoon
