There have been two similar frightening incidents in St Helens Road within the last three months.

They followed yet another which took place in the road last year.
Detective Inspector Paul Phelps said: "We are reviewing all of these assaults collectively.

"They are unprovoked assaults on lone female cyclists with no apparent motive. They all focus on the St Helen's Road area, however the descriptions of the offender differ.

"It is a bit bizarre. We have three attacks, but whether they are linked remains to be determined at this stage."

The most recent was late last Tuesday night when a 35-year-old woman was cycling up St Helens Road approaching the speed camera when a man kicked her off her bike.

He then ran away down the road towards the town centre.

He was described as white, aged 20-25, of slim build, and about 5ft 8in tall. He had blond hair shaved around the sides and back, but longer on top, and was wearing a black top, white t-shirt, and tight-fitting trousers.

A road check took place at the scene at the same time this week, but no new information resulted.

Police have also been unable to trace the driver of a grey vehicle with pop-up headlights which was seen to drive away.

A second unprovoked assault took place again on a Tuesday - February 12 - shortly after 11pm.

This time the victim was a 20-year-old Swiss au pair who was hit on the head while cycling near the junction with Ashford Road.

In particular police wanted to speak to a man who was seen getting into a blue car close by.

Another young female cyclist was hit on the head in the St Helen's Road/King Edward Avenue area late at night last summer.

DI Phelps added that there had also been a fourth assault involving a female cyclist in Laton Road, which is near to St Helen's Road, last year.

He reminded women to be vigilant when going home at night, to avoid travelling alone, and to stick to well-lit roads.

Anyone with information about the assaults or similar suspicious incidents should contact Hastings Police on 0845 6070999.