TWO women and a girl were attacked within two days in incidents that police believe may be linked.

In each case their assailant was said to be a young man wearing a light grey or khaki waterproof jacket.

Police have stepped up patrols in Ferring and Goring following the third incident on Friday.

On Thursday (March 19) a 19-year-old woman was grabbed as she left public toilets at Ferring village green. She managed to break free and run to a nearby shop for help.

About 10 minutes later a youth tried to accost and made sexual remarks towards a 36-year-old woman who was accompanied by her 10-year-old daughter.

He was travelling in the woman’s van after approaching her in Meadow Way, Ferring, and asked for her help in finding his dog.

The assailant ran off after the woman got him out of the car and locked the doors, police said.

On Friday (March 20) a 15-year-old girl walking from Goring railway station towards Littlehampton was shoved in the back and attempts were made to take her bag.

She resisted and her lone attacker ran off down an alleyway.

None of the victims was seriously hurt.

Detective Constable Natalie Freeman, of West Sussex CID, said: "One line of enquiry we are following is that these incidents may be linked.

"Crime of this nature is extremely rare in these communities and we are carrying out a thorough investigation into all three attacks.

"Meanwhile police patrols in the area have been reinforced, both to deter further offending and to try to identify the person responsible as swiftly as possible."

Anyone with information that may help is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.pnn.uk or phone 101.

Or call contact the independent charity Crimestoppers without having to leave a name on 0800 555 111.