Women in St Andrews are being told not to walk home at night alone after two sexual assaults in the town in the space of a week.
Police in Fife believe the two incidents are linked and are hunting a man who was wearing a dark puffa jacket.
The first incident took place between 12.15am and 2:10am on Wednesday April 9, when a 27-year-old woman was the victim of a serious sexual assault. She was last seen walking with a man on Doubledykes Road at around 12:55am.
The second took place at around 1am on Thursday April 10, when an 18-year-old female student was indecently assaulted while walking in the university grounds.
As the woman walked along a lane between the university sports hall and David Russell Apartments, she became aware of a man walking behind her, who then grabbed and indecently assaulted her. The assault lasted a short time before the assailant ran off. While she was uninjured, the woman was left extremely shaken.
Police are trying to trace a man described as being between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in tall and who was wearing a dark puffa jacket, dark tracksuit bottoms, grey beanie hat and possibly gloves.
They have appealed for anyone who recognises the description of the man, or who has any information which could help with the inquiry, to come forward.
Police Scotland said in light of the recent incidents, there would be more patrols of the town, particularly during the hours of darkness. People have also been advised to be vigilant when walking home at night, and to walk in pairs where possible.
Detective Chief Inspector Pauline McCallum from Police Scotland said: “This type of incident is rare but I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to be aware of their personal safety, particularly if walking in a quiet area or after a night out.
“We have a description of a man who we would like to speak to in connection with our inquiries, and anyone with any information should contact police immediately.”