Investigation Into Bus Sex Assaults

Detectives are looking into reports of four sex assaults happening on buses in Bournemouth and Poole.

The reported incidents are believed to have taken place between Wednesday 13 February 2013 and Wednesday 20 March 2013 on various Yellow and More bus services in and around the Bournemouth and Poole areas.

In each incident young women have reported that they have been inappropriately touched by a man aged in his thirties.

The first incident was reported on Wednesday 13 February 2013. It took place at around 4.50pm on a bus journey from Bournemouth Square to Branksome in Poole.

Police received two further reports on Wednesday 4 March 2013. These took place on bus journeys from Bournemouth Square to Charminster at around 2pm and Bournemouth Square to Lansdowne at around 3.40pm.

A fourth alleged incident happened on Wednesday 20 March 2013 at around 6.05pm on a bus journey from Ashley Road in Poole to Westbourne.

Detective Constable Emma Hawkes, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said:

“We have had four separate reports of sexual touching on bus services in the two towns.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed these incidents on bus services in Bournemouth and Poole to contact Dorset Police in confidence.”

A 30-year-old man from Bournemouth has been arrested and charged with four counts of sexual assault.