DETECTIVES are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a series of sexual assaults on Chelmsford women in the town.

The first attack happened a 28-year-old woman was walking along New Street shortly before 2:30am on March 1. This is being treated as an attempted rape.

The second attack happened three hours later when a 36-year-old woman was waling along the Bunny Walks by the side of the nearby Riverside Retail Park. This is being treated as a sexual assault.

The third attack happened shortly after 2am on March 3 when a 28-year-old woman was standing outside Chelmsford Cathedral. This is being treated as an sexual assault.

The fourth attack happened on Duke Street shortly before 7am on March 8 when a 30-year-old woman was assaulted.

On Saturday (Mar 10), a 42-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested just outside Chelmsford town centre in connection with the first three offences. He was later released on police bail until April 14 pending further enquiries.

A 25-year-old man from Chelmsford remains on police bail until the same date after having been arrested in connection with the first three offences. He is currently on police bail.

A third man, a 20-year-old man from Chelmsford also remains on police bail until the same date after having been arrested in connection with all four offences.

An increased police presence was visible in the town over the weekend, with plain-clothed officers also on the outskirts of Chelmsford watching people walking home.