Gardaí warn women of sex attacker

GARDAÍ in Waterford have urged women not to walk alone in the city following a series of indecent assaults which may be linked.

The latest indecent assault occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning in the Poleberry area of the city.

A woman who was walking in the area at around 2.45am was accosted by a lone male at a bridge. He knocked her to the ground and indecently assaulted her.

Garda Sergeant Padraic Dunne has appealed to any witnesses to contact them immediately.

"We would appeal to any taxi drivers or anyone in the area who may have seen something suspicious to contact us," he said.

The attacker is described as well-dressed and aged between 20 and 30 years. He is about 5'10" to 6ft in height and of medium build. He was wearing a dark coloured cardigan with a ribbed pattern and a shirt underneath.

"The young girl was very distressed and was brought to Waterford Regional Hospital. She was treated for minor injuries to her face and arms," Sgt Dunne said.

There have been a spate of attacks on women in the city since March 28. Sgt Dunne said the indecent assaults may be linked. "They all have a similar type of pattern. There are similarities between a lot of the assaults but we can't say for certain if they are connected.

"We are appealing to the public of Waterford for assistance in trying to locate this man. We would also like to say to young females, if you are out at night, please arrange to have a friend accompany you home or take a taxi or get a lift home."

The similar attacks have occurred at various times sometimes in broad daylight.

One occurred at Reginald's Tower in the morning, another at the Quay in the morning and two attacks in the afternoon.

Waterford city is currently gearing up for a number of major conferences and an influx of thousands of visitors to the region.

Those involved in tourism in the region will be particularly anxious that the culprit is apprehended shortly.

This weekend, thousands of top officials and volunteers involved in the Credit Union movement are due in Waterford for the Irish League of Credit Unions AGM.

It is one of many key conferences which will take place in the city over the coming months.

Gardaí in Waterford can be contacted at [phone].