Investigation launched after man grabs woman and girl in separate incidents

We are now investigating two separate reports of sexual assault at a nature reserve near Hemlock Way and Hill Street in Cannock.

On Sunday (10 September), a woman was approached and grabbed by an unknown male. She was not harmed and the suspect ran off.

Most recently, at the same nature reserve on Wednesday (13 September), a girl in her teens was grabbed by an unknown male. She managed to get to a place of safety and was left shaken by the ordeal.

We carried out a thorough search of the area once this incident was reported to us.

We believe the suspect may be linked to both incidents. He is described as mixed heritage, in his late teens to early 20s, of a slim build with his hair in braids to his ears.

Officers are continuing to support the victims and are carrying out a number of enquiries locally in the area today (15 September). 

We want to reassure the community that incidents like this are rare, however, when they are reported to us we take them very seriously.  Local officers together with specialist investigators have and will continue to have an increased presence in the area.

We’re keen to speak to anyone with any information which could help us with our investigation. We think the suspect may have ran past two other boys who were in the area at the time on Wednesday and we’d like to speak to them to find out more.

Call 101, quoting incident 534 of 13 September, or message us using Live Chat on our website – www.staffordshire.police.uk

If you prefer to report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.