TWO girls were grabbed by men during separate attacks on the same day.

Police are investigating in the Highwoods area of Colchester after two incidents, involving teenage girls, happened on Monday.

A girl was assaulted on her way to The Gilberd School at about 9am, in a wooded area close to Gavin Way.

That evening, another assault took place in The Jays on the Highwoods estate.

The assaults are not being treated as linked at this time but investigations continue.

Mayor Gerard Oxford, who represents the Highwoods area, said it was a distressing time but he was pleased with the proactive approach from The Gilberd School and the police.

He said: “I have said on social media how Highwoods is a safe place to live, people should not overly stress themselves as although the situation is not good and our thoughts are with those who were assaulted, it’s a case of hoping the police can apprehend the individuals.

“The school has given leaflets to parents asking children to keep to paths and not to walk alone while the situation is as it is. I would urge people to do exactly that.”

Both investigations are ongoing.

Police spent time in the area surrounding Gavin Way on Tuesday morning.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating after a woman was assaulted in The Jays, Colchester at around 8pm on Monday.

“The 18-year-old woman was walking a dog when a man approached her, grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him.

“The dog barked at the man and he ran off towards Ipswich Road.

“We are treating this as an assault and part of the investigation is to determine the motive.”

Police stressed there is no confirmed link between the two assaults but said they will continue with their operations to see if any evidence comes to light.

The spokesman added: “This is standard procedure when we get incidents that take place in a similar area. At this stage we have no evidence to say they are linked but we are keeping all options open.”

Anyone with information about either incident should contact 101.