A man in his 70s was allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed in broad daylight in a UK town last month, police said in a newly-released appeal. Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an incident they said happened in Aylesbury on March 19. The man was on a footpath between Jackson Road and Aston Close on the Jackson Road side at approximately 12.40pm when he was approached by a woman, the force said.

The woman, police also said, engaged in conversation with the victim before inappropriately touching him over his clothing and offering sexual services. The suspect grabbed a gold Cubin Link chain that the victim was wearing around his neck before running off down Jackson Road past Aston Close towards Autumn Close, away from the A41, the police appeal read. The man was not injured.

The suspect is described by police as a woman, Malaysian or Thai in appearance with an accent. The force added the suspect has been described as aged in her early to mid-30s and around 5ft to 5ft 2ins tall.

Thames Valley Police continued: "She had her hair tied up and was wearing a black baseball cap, light grey jogging suit with possibly a zip down the front. She may also have had a dark-coloured stripe down the side of her trousers."

This incident is currently being treated as linked to a similar incident which occurred last week, police said.

On April 8, a man also in his 70s was allegedly sexually assaulted by a woman and got his Rolex watch snatched.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Mandy Cutler said: “This incident has occurred in the middle of the afternoon in Aylesbury and has very similar circumstances to a similar incident which occurred last week on 8 April. At this stage, I am treating these incidents as linked to each other.

“I am also keeping an open mind as to whether these two incidents are linked to a wider issue of similar such incidents occurring elsewhere in the country.

“We are liaising with partner forces to ascertain whether there are any discernible links to these offences.

“I am appealing to anybody who was in the area of Jackson Road on 19 March this year and believe that they witnessed this incident to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police. You can do so by reporting online or by calling us on 101, quoting reference 43260136355.

“Digital evidence, such as dash-cam, CCTV, ring doorbell or mobile phone footage can also be uploaded to our dedicated portal for this investigation.

“Both victims in these two cases are being supported and we are determined to bring to justice those who are responsible for these two incidents.

“I appreciate that incidents such as these will cause concern in the local community, but we are thoroughly investigating and making enquiries, including house to house enquiries as we seek to identify and prosecute those responsible.

“I would urge anybody who has any information or concerns to please get in touch with us. You will be listened to and supported, and any information, no matter how significant this may seem, may be crucial in assisting this investigation.”