Three attacks on women prompt warning from VPD

WATCH: Vancouver Police issue a warning for women after a series of sexual assaults. Catherine Urquhart reports.

Vancouver police are warning women to be cautious after a number of attacks along South Granville, Oak and Cambie Streets.

In the first incident, an elderly Asian woman in her 80s, was walking in the area of Oak Street and West 55th Avenue on April 20.

She was approached from behind and groped.

The woman continued on her way home when the man walked away, but was touched inappropriately again when he appeared the second time.

When the woman screamed, the suspect casually walked off.

On June 17, another elderly Asian woman in her 90s was walking her dog near West 30th Avenue and Granville Street when a man approached her from behind and struck her violently between the legs.

In the third incident this last Friday, a middle-aged Asian woman was walking in the area on West 64th Avenue between Granville and Oak Street when she was approached from behind and groped.

The man walked away, but the woman followed him.

When the victim confronted her attacker, she was punched in the face and knocked to the ground.

She was taken to hospital for treatment of minor physical injuries.

All the victims suffered significant emotional distress in the attacks.

“We feel all three of them are connected by motive,” says VPD spokesperson Randy Fincham. “The nationality of these women, as well as the ages, and the motive behind the attacks in conjunction with the suspect description leads us to believe that all three of these incidents are related.”

The suspect, who is unknown to the women attacked, is described as white, 35 to 40 years old, 5’10” tall, with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call investigators at (604) 717-2602 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.