Police have vowed to step up foot patrols in Ely after separate incidents in which a teenager was sexually assaulted and another was chased.

In one of the incidents, on December 18, a 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and, in the second incident, a 17-year-old girl was chased.

Police say it is not clear whether the two incidents are linked but have advised caution while investigations are carried out.

CCTV footage is being reviewed and officers have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Police were made aware in February of the serious sexual assault on a 13-year-old girl in Lisle Lane. The incident happened at about 3.20pm back in December.

The offender, who is described as male, between 5ft 9in and 6ft tall and wearing a long black coat, approached her and sexually assaulted her.

Then, on Monday, March 16, police received a report of a suspicious incident in The Gallery, Ely, whereby a 17-year-old girl was followed by a man at about 8.15pm the same day.

The victim was walking when she noticed a man, about 5ft 7in, wearing a long black overcoat and a brimmed black hat, following her.

She started to walk faster, and so did the man. She then started to run and was chased by the man until he dropped his hat and stopped.

The girl managed to get to a nearby school and did not come into any physical contact with the man, however she was left feeling scared.

Insp Marcia Nichols, safer neighbourhood manager for East Cambridgeshire, said: “Both of these incidents have been awful for the girls and we are doing all we can to identify the people responsible.

“Given the close proximity of where these incidents took place and the similarity in the descriptions given by the girls of the offenders, we are not ruling out that these incidents could be linked.

“High visibility foot patrols have been put in place in the city centre however I would urge members of the public to be cautious when alone in the area.

“I would advise people to not walk alone where possible, particularly when it is dark.

“Anyone who feels they are in danger should call police immediately on 999 and try to get to a place of safety.”