POLICE have increased patrols in the High Royds area of Menston following two incidents in which women were assaulted.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police - Leeds North West said: "We are aware of concerns in the community around High Royds following two recent unrelated incidents and are working to reassure people in the area.

"On the morning of March 12, a woman who was out running in Bradford Road was barged into by a man. She sought help from a group of runners and the man also assaulted a woman in that group.

"Officers attended and the suspect was arrested nearby. He admitted both offences of assault and was given a conditional caution, which includes completing a restorative justice programme to reflect on the impact of his actions.

"On April 11, a woman walking her dog in the vicinity of Ingle Lane was approached by a man who punched her in the stomach. He was described as white, about 5ft 10ins tall, average build, with brown eyes. He was a smoker and was wearing a black zip-up hoodie and blue denim jeans.

"Enquiries are ongoing to identify this suspect. This incident is not linked to the suspect from the incident on March 12.

"We have also been made aware of an incident being discussed on social media from April 20 involving a woman being approached and chased by a differently described man near to High Royds. We have not yet been able to trace a report of this incident to police and encourage the victim to contact us.

"We recognise the understandable concern that incidents of this nature will cause in the local community, particularly to women in the area.

"We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that women and girls are safe to go about their everyday activities in the area without fear and have increased our patrols and presence around High Royds to reassure people.

"We encourage people to report any suspicious activity in the area and will continue to respond accordingly to keep people safe."