Patrols and enquiries being carried out in response to Isle of Wight sexual assault and indecent exposure

We have been following up all available lines of enquiry and conducting patrols in response to reports of a sexual assault and an indecent exposure on the Isle of Wight.

The sexual assault was reported to police on the afternoon of 28 June, but is reported to have taken place the previous evening.

Police were told that at around 7pm on Tuesday 27 June an 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on the cycle track between Cowes and Stag Lane by a man not known to her. After the assault, the man exposed himself and the woman ran off.

The man was described as white and accompanied by a black and white Jack Russell dog.

Since this was reported to us, officers have been conducting a number of enquiries to identify this man and have been scoping for CCTV footage and patrolling the cycle track.

Yesterday afternoon (Thursday 29 June) we received a report of an indecent exposure on the coastal path near Marsh Street, Gurnard, at around 4.30pm. The person responsible was again described as a white man accompanied by a Jack Russell.

Inspector Matt Gooding said: “These are shocking incidents which have been understandably distressing for the people involved.

“We are investigating these incidents as a priority and have had officers actively patrolling the areas, in addition to following up urgent enquiries to identify the man responsible.

“Both of these incidents took place during daylight hours. We believe other members of the public, including cyclists, would have been using the cycle track on the evening of 27 June, and equally other people may have seen a man with a Jack Russell on the Gurnard coastal path on 29 June.

“Were you in these areas around the time these offences occurred? Have you seen a man matching this person’s description?

“Our investigation continues, and we are keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44230258548. You can also submit information to us online here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

Dial 999 if a crime is in progress.