A TANNED criminal preying on women, is believed to have struck twice in Ipswich.A 24-year-old woman has come forward to report that she was indecently assaulted – after discovering that a similar incident happened in the town centre the week before.

A TANNED criminal preying on women, is believed to have struck twice in Ipswich.

A 24-year-old woman has come forward to report that she was indecently assaulted – after discovering that a similar incident happened in the town centre the week before.

Police investigating both incidents, are now linking the crimes.

The victim had walked past the offender at the junction of Grimwade Street and Rope Walk in Ipswich, at 3.15pm on October 22.

Then he came up behind her, touched her bottom and exposed himself to her.

The victim screamed at him then walked quickly away.

A police spokeswoman said: "This incident is being linked to a report of an indecent assault linking this incident to a report of indecent assault in Prince's Street, at 9.50am on October 15.

The offender is white, aged 17 to 20, of slim build and with short dark hair. He has a tanned complexion, brown eyes, and at the time of the second incident was wearing a baseball cap and a blue tracksuit.

Anyone who has any information about this matter, or recognises the offender from his description, should call Pc Gemma Fisher on 01473 613500.