Detectives hunting a sex attacker who pounced on two women within half an hour in Bradford today issued CCTV images of the suspect.

The pervert struck early in the morning, targeting lone women in streets near to the university.

The first victim, a 43-year-old woman, was grabbed as she walked to work in Great Horton Road, at 5.50am on Saturday, December 17.

She screamed and bravely punched her attacker in the side of the face and pushed him away. He fled on foot in to the university campus.

Half an hour later, a 25-year-old woman was grabbed by the same man as she walked in nearby St Margaret’s Road, near to its junction with Woodhead Road. She also screamed, alerting residents, and the man ran off towards Great Horton Road.

Police are now linking the incidents, following inquiries and a study of CCTV from the area, and have released images of the man they want to speak to.

Detective Inspector Nicola Bryar said: “A considerable amount of work has gone into tracing the person responsible for these offences. However, we have not yet been able to get that key piece of information which will enable us to locate him.

“Just before Christmas, we worked with the Telegraph & Argus to release an e-fit of the man we would like to speak to.

“We have now taken the further step of releasing CCTV images from Stratford Road in the hope that it will jog someone’s memory and help us to identify the culprit.”

The suspect is described as Asian and aged between 25 and 30. He was wearing a dark hooded top with a hat underneath.

Det Insp Bryar said: “It is quite possible that the answer lies in the local community and we would call upon residents to think back and let us know if they remember even the smallest bit of information.

“Maybe you were in the area during this morning in December and recall seeing someone acting suspiciously.

“Every bit of detail is important. It can help us piece together the jigsaw and potentially lead to a positive outcome. If you have any information which could help us progress our investigation, please contact Bradford South CID on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.”