TWO women were attacked in separate incidents in Lydney on Saturday (July 26).

Gloucestershire Police say they cannot be sure the attacks were committed by the same man.

The first victim was grabbed by the dress while she was walking along Station Road towards the A48 at 1pm on Saturday.

Only 10 hours later a second victim was seriously sexually assaulted near Lydney Boating Lake after she was followed past Lydney Church.

The victim had walked across the church car park, along Church Road, over the train track, under the footbridge and then down to the lakeside path. The only description provided is the offender was wearing dark clothing at the time.

The offender in the afternoon attack is described as a white man, in his late 30s to early 40s, 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins tall, with dark hair and a beer belly. It is understood he appeared from undergrowth and assaulted the woman but made off when he was disturbed by a  green vehicle, believed to be an old style Ford Fiesta, which stopped next to the woman.

The occupants spoke to the victim to check she was all right and officers are very keen to speak to these people and anyone else with information about the attack. Detective Sergeant Mark Stenhouse said: "We do not know at this stage whether there is any link between this and the serious sexual assault at the boating lake that evening but we know these two cases will concern local residents.

"Community officers are aware of the incidents and anyone with concerns or queries are encouraged to make contact with the local policing team in the town.

"In the meantime, we would urge people to be aware of their personal safety and look at the safety advice available on our website http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk">www.gloucestershire.police.uk.

"Anyone who can help us with our inquiries should call 101 and quote incident 169 of July 26."