Police release CCTV of man after several suspicious incidents in Broomhill

Police are appealing for information after a series of suspicious incidents in Broomhill over the past few weeks.

They have released a CCTV image of a male wearing a distinctive turquoise, blue and black anorak, who they believe was involved in two incidents on the 24th February, both of which were on Melbourne Road.

At 10.30am an 18-year-old woman reported a man tried to grab her bag, and only 15 minutes later a 20-year-old woman reported a man approached her on the same road and asked the time, before making a lewd comment.

In both incidents, the offender was described as Asian, around 20 years old, 5ft 6in tall, of large build and clean shaven.

He approached two women on Melbourne Avenue

In another unrelated incident on the 27th February, a man is reported to have walked up to a 45 year old woman on Newbold Lane, off Whitham Road, and exposed himself.

He was mixed race, around 19-years-old, 6ft tall, with short black hair and a thin beard around the edge of his face, and was wearing black clothing at the time.

A day later, on Saturday 28 February, a man approached a 20-year-old woman on Northumberland Road at 2:35am, and also exposed himself and made lewd remarks.

He was black, around 30-years-old with curly hair and a black jacket.

The incidents all happened in Broomhill

In a statement released by South Yorkshire Police, Inspector Naomi Saxton said: “We are taking these reports seriously and have increased our patrols in the area at key times and carrying out a number of enquiries.

“However, other than the first two incidents there is no information to suggest they are linked, at this time, but police are keeping an open mind, and monitoring any suspicious incidents in the area.

“We are asking the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police.”

The reports have shaken many residents.

First year Izzy Raine said: “I definitely wouldn’t walk alone in Broomhill, especially at night time. I’ve had a few scary incidents with men there before, threatening drunks and several inappropriate comments. It’s important to try and stay in groups.”

Anyone with any information on the first incidents is asked to call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 264 of 24 February 2015.