TWO women were sexually assaulted within days of each other in incidents that police believe are linked.

The attacker’s first victim was a 31-year-old woman who was walking along Odessa Road, Forest Gate, on November 10 at 4.20pm.

She noticed a man walking in the same direction on the other side of the road. He crossed over to her side of the street and continued walking behind her, increasing his pace to catch up with her.

He then approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her. He ran off back down Odessa Road, the way he had come.

The second incident happened on November 16 at about 4.40pm in Avenue Road, Forest Gate. A 34-year-old woman was walking along the street and noticed a man walking in the same direction but on the other side of the road. He crossed over and continued walking in the same direction, but in front of her.

A little later he turned around to face the victim, and as he was walking past he sexually assaulted her. The victim shouted at him, telling him to stop.

The man made off along Avenue Road, towards Chestnut Avenue, and headed off towards Wanstead Flats.

Police have issued a description of the suspect who they say is black, aged between 20 and 30 years old, about 6ft tall and slim.

He was wearing a black jacket, black trousers and black shoes. He also had a black backpack.

Anyone with information about either of these incidents should contact detectives at the Violent Crime Unit on (020) 7275 5881.