Woman pulled from bike, choked one day after teen girl victimised

A 23-year-old man from Poland was arrested for pulling a woman from her bike and choking her in Elshout on Monday night. This happened a day after a 17-year-old girl was followed by a man in the same area. The police believe it to be the same perpetrator, Omroep Brabant reports.

On Monday night the 48-year-old victim was cycling on Mariendonkstraat when she was suddenly pulled from her bike. She fell to the ground and a an grabbed her by the throat. According to the police, the woman lost consciousness for a short time. The perpetrator fled when a car drove by. The people in the car got out and went to help the woman and called the police.

The woman escaped with minor injuries, but the attack had a big emotional impact, the police said.

Based on witness statements, the police had an idea of what the perpetrator looked like. They tracked him down on Kerkstraat and arrested him later on Monday night.

On Tuesday morning a 17-year-old girl went to the police station and reported that she was followed by a man as she cycled on Heusdenseweg on Sunday night. The police believe it was the same Polish man. They call on people who experienced something similar to come forward.