Man arrested in sex assault probe

GARDAÍ in Waterford have arrested a man in connection with a spate of indecent assaults on women in the city over the past month.

A youth from the city was arrested on the quays on Thursday and was questioned under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

He was interrogated in relation to the five sexual assaults which have taken place across various locations in the city since March 28. He was questioned for 10 hours and released.

Three of the five sexual assaults took place during the day. A file in relation to these three assaults is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the two night-time assaults which occurred at the inner ring road and Poleberry area of the city. Gardaí believe that there may be a link between the indecent assaults in the city over the past weeks.

They reiterated their appeal to women to ensure they are accompanied at all times, particularly at night.

Garda Sergeant Padraic Dunne has appealed to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the time of the attacks to contact Waterford garda station.

The description of the attacker given in most instances is that he is aged around 20 years, but may be aged between 20 and 30. He is described as being about 5’10” to 6ft in height, and of medium build.

On one occasion, he was wearing a dark coloured cardigan with a ribbed pattern and a shirt underneath. He appeared to be well-dressed. On another, he was described as wearing a white top and runners.