Three women groped in 30 minutes during evening walks on Queensland street
Police have launched a public appeal to identify and arrest a man who sexually assaulted three separate women in 30 minutes on Thursday night in far north Queensland.
The women - aged 23, 31 and 37 - were walking on Springfield Crescent in the Cairns suburb of Manoora between 7pm and 7.30pm when they were attacked.
The scene of the crimes - Springfield Crescent in the Cairns suburb of Manoora.Credit:Queensland Police Service
Police said the man approached the women, who were walking separately and did not know each other, and made "sexually suggestive comments" before grabbing the women on their buttocks.
One of the victims had a dog with her at the time, but that did not deter the offender.
The women, all Cairns locals, screamed or yelled at the man, resulting in him fleeing on foot.
Police sent multiple units, including the dog squad, to the area in response to the three attacks, but a thorough search of the area was unable to find the man.
However, police have promised extra patrols in the area in response to the incidents.
Detective Acting Inspector Jason Smith said he was "very concerned" by the "motivated offender".
"This person has attacked three people within 30 minutes, I am concerned that, given he has not been apprehended at this stage, he will continue to reoffend," he said.
"The brazen attacks in a reasonably busy street and all within 30 minutes, is troubling."
Police doorknocked locals on Friday and canvassed for CCTV footage from the "busy" street and surrounding area.Credit:Queensland Police Service
Acting Inspector Smith said women in the area should be aware of the incidents but not be afraid to exercise, with detectives doorknocking local residents and collecting CCTV footage on Friday.
The attacker has been described as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in appearance, about 175 centimetres with a slim build.
He was not wearing a shirt, but it’s believed he was either carrying a white t-shirt or white towel. That t-shirt or towel may have been tucked into his dark coloured shorts.
Police have appealed for anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV vision near Springfield Crescent and the 500-metre radius, to contact local police or Policelink on 13 14 44.