DETECTIVES have ruled out any links between three sex attacks that occurred in the space of a month.

The incidents took part in the Strensall, Fulford and city centre areas of York and there has been speculation they were connected and a serial offender was involved.

However, each of the allegations are being investigated separately and police say they are satisfied they are not linked as the descriptions differ significantly in each case.

Detective Inspector Nigel Costello said: "Over the past three weeks there have been three stranger sexual assaults in York and all have an investigation team headed by a senior investigating officer allocated to them.

"It is unusual for York to have these type of assaults and all are being investigated thoroughly.

"At this time there is no evidence to suggest that the crimes are linked, but the investigation teams are mindful of the other investigations being carried out."

He added: "Inevitably, the three offences in such a short period of time may lead to concerns whether York is a safe place.

"Steps have been taken to reassure the public and patrol strategies have been put in place and the police would encourage anyone seeing anything of concern to report it to the police."

He stressed that York had a safe reputation and pointed out that so far this year the city has reported sexual assaults drop by 20 per cent.