Police patrols have been stepped up after two women were sexually assaulted at playing fields in Lewes.

One victim was a jogger who was grabbed by a man who tried to pull off her shorts.

Both attacks happened on the same day as the women crossed Malling Brook fields, close to Whilleys Bridge and Pells Pool.

The women were badly shaken and detectives are investigating whether the attacks are linked.

The first happened at 9pm when the jogger, in her 20s, was approached by two men who made sexual remarks before one grabbed her waist.

He tried to remove her shorts but she struggled free and fled.

At 11.20pm an 18-year-old woman crossed Whilleys Bridge and became aware of a man following her.

The man engaged in what police described as an indecent act and the woman tried to call the police on her mobile phone.

The offender grabbed the phone, pushed the victim to the ground and assaulted her.

Detective Constable Costin Bonell said: "It is too early to say whether these incidents were linked but inquiries are continuing.

"I would urge anyone who has witnessed anything suspicious in the area to call us.

"We are particularly keen to trace a couple seen on Whilleys Bridge by the first victim shortly before the two men approached her. I would appeal to the man or the woman to call us as they may have vital information about the suspects."

Mr Bonnell added: "Lewes is known to be a safe place and these attacks are being treated, at this stage, as isolated incidents.

"We have stepped up patrols in the area in a bid to deter future incidents."

In the first attack, the attackers were in their early 20s, medium build with dark short hair. One is 5ft 9in and wore a white T-shirt and dark trousers. The second is 5ft 11in and wore dark clothing.

In the second, the suspect is white, about 6ft, slim with cropped hair and wore a dark padded jacket.

Anyone with information about the attacks last Wednesday (July 31) should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.