Two women attacked on Vancouver seawall

Vancouver police are issuing a public warning after two women were assaulted in separate attacks while walking near Sunset Beach in downtown Vancouver on Saturday and Monday.

The first assault occurred at about 10 p.m. PT Saturday as a 42-year-old Vancouver woman was walking her dogs on the seawall under the Granville Street Bridge, Const. Lindsey Houghton said Monday.

A man suddenly grabbed the woman from behind and attempted to force her to the ground. When she resisted, the male fled along the seawall, Houghton said.

The second assault took place shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Monday as a 29-year-old Vancouver woman was walking near the Aquatic Centre on the seawall under the Burrard Street Bridge.

The woman noticed a man following her and when she stopped, the man grabbed her and dragged her down the hill to the beach. The woman screamed, attracting the attention of people nearby and the attacker then ran away along the seawall, Houghton said.

One man believed responsible

Houghton said police searched the area after each incident but were not able to locate any suspects. Police believe that one man might be responsible for both attacks.

No weapon used, but one of the women suffered an injury to her jaw.

The suspect is described as white, in his late 20s or early 30s, with fair skin, approximately six feet tall, with a stocky, muscular build.

He had short, dark hair worn in a brush cut, was clean-shaven and was described as wearing a black button-down shirt with short sleeves, dark jeans and running shoes.