Two women were targeted by a pervert in a Basildon park - both within 30 minutes of one another.

Police have now stepped up patrols around Mopsies Park, after an 18-year-old woman was grabbed by a man whilst walking along the footbridge from Broadmayne towards the entrance of the park.

She saw the man ahead of her and walked past him, along a path leading to a row of houses.

As she passed - at around 6.55pm on Wednesday (November 25) - he grabbed her and sexually assaulted her.

Thankfully, she managed to get away from him and called police.

Officers attended the scene and extra patrols were put in place.

While they were carrying out their enquiries, a 20-year-old woman reported she was jogging just outside the park entrance when a man tried to grab her but failed.

Essex Police have now confirmed there is a connection between both incidents, and that they are treating them as linked.

Read more:

Woman grabbed by man 'in private area' before fighting off attacker and fleeing

Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell, said: “We are treating both incidents as linked and we have extra police in and around the park carrying out enquiries to identify this man.

“Both women described him to be a white man, possibly aged in his 30s, with a full, light coloured beard.

“We are progressing our investigation and officers are continuing to carry out patrols in the area and to speak to residents nearby.

“If anyone has seen a man matching the description of the suspect in the area over the past week, I’d ask them to please get in touch with us.

“We’re also keen to speak to any drivers who pass the park near Broadmayne as they may have seen him, or have dash cam footage.

“I’d ask residents to please remain vigilant and to speak to officers who are in patrol in the area, or to contact us online.”

Please submit information online at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020120P48-PO1

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org