Police in Bristol investigate attempted sex assault in broad daylight
It happened on Monday afternoon (June 13) on Cotham Grove
Last updated 14th Jun 2022
A woman has been left distressed but unhurt after a man tried to sexually assault her in Bristol.
Avon and Somerset Police say it happened at 3:50pm on Monday (June 13) in Cotham Grove, meaning it would have been broad daylight.
A man, described as been white, in his 30s and stocky with a northern accent, approached the woman and asked for directions.
He then followed her to her car and jumped inside before trying to assault her, but ran off towards Archfield Road when the woman fought back.
Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward, as well as anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the area around the time of the attack.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Nick Birch said: “It is unusual for this sort of incident to happen during the daytime in a built-up area.
"We’re targeting our patrols in the area in the coming days and the woman will be offered support from our victim and witness care team.
"I would urge anyone with information which could help to come forward.”
Police say a search of the area was carried out afterwards which included house to house enquires and "no trace of the suspect" was found.
Thankfully the woman did not require hospital treatment.
If you witnessed what happened or have any footage from the area at or around 3:50pm on Monday, the police ask that you call 101 and quote the reference number 5222139598.
You can also complete their online appeals form here.
It comes a little over three months after two women were touched inappropriately in a nearby supermarket in the middle of the day.
The pair were assaulted in Sainsbury's at Clifton Down at lunchtime on Thursday 3 March.
The assailant was chased out of the shop by security and was caught on CCTV leaving, with officers putting out an appeal to help find him last month.
There is no suggestion the Sainsbury's assaults and the one in Cotham Grove are linked as the descriptions of both suspects are very different, however, it suggests a worrying trend could be beginning, of men assaulting women in the middle of the day.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, you can access support anytime from various groups including Avon and Somerset Rape and Sexual Abuse Support.