A sexual assault on a 20-year-old woman in Bicester could be linked to a similar attack in November, police have warned.

The woman was walking along George Street near to the Highfield Social Club at 10.30pm on Thursday when a man grabbed her from behind and pulled her into Bucknell Road Park.

Once inside the park, the man sexually assaulted her.

She managed to get away from the man, made her way to a place of safety and called the police.

Officers scoured the scene but could not find her attacker.

He is described as white, 6ft, in his thirties with a big build. He was dressed entirely in black with a black bobble hat.

Now police have said the same man could have attacked another woman outside Bicester Community Hospital on Saturday, November 27.

In that attack, a woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted in the hospital car park in Kings End at about 8:45pm.

Det Insp Steve Duffy said: “This incident is similar to a sexual assault that occurred in Bicester on November 27 and so we are looking at the possibility that the two might be linked.

“An area around the park has been cordoned off while a search of the scene is carried out and officers are going house-to-house to speak with local residents.

“High visibility patrols will be put in place in the town to offer reassurance to local residents and I would urge anyone with concerns or information about this incident to speak to us.”

Mr Duffy said people should avoid walking alone at night, and always let friends or family know when they are leaving and when they arrive at their destination.

He said: “If people ever feel vulnerable or scared then they should not hesitate to contact police immediately.

“I would urge any residents who were in the George Street area who may have seen this man to come forward and speak to us immediately.”

Anyone with information should contact Bicester CID on 08568 505505 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.