A MAN has been arrested in connection with a series of offences in Middlesbrough.

The 30-year-old was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, assault and theft following a number of incidents on May 31 in the University and Gresham wards of the town.

A woman was sexually assaulted near to Victoria Road and her friend was punched by the same man when he returned to the scene minutes later.

Shortly afterwards, a 21-year-old woman had her handbag stolen after being approached by an unknown man in the university grounds opposite Victoria Road.

The arrested man, from Middlesbrough, has been bailed pending further enquiries.