Rotterdam police searching for man in sexual assaults of six women since November
Police in Rotterdam released photos of a man suspected of sexually assaulting six women in public in the city since halfway through November. Three of the women have already pressed charges in the case, and women were being asked to remain particularly cautious especially in central and northern neighborhoods.
"It is possible that more women have fallen victim to the man, but have not reported it to the police," police said on Thursday.
"The incidents took place on public roads in the area of Rotterdam Centrum and Rotterdam Noord. The sexual assaults mainly happened during busy nightlife periods during late night hours and early in the morning."
He was described as being a Dutch-speaking man between 25 and 40 years of age who was riding a bicycle at the time of the incidents. He has dark eyes, and his eyebrows, hair, moustache and beard were also described as being dark in color. He was also seen wearing dark clothing, including a hooded puffer jacket from North Face.
"The police are currently busy with the investigation. To this end, we are reviewing various camera images, speaking to witnesses and conducting extra patrols with officers on the streets." Authorities said that they were also working to catch the suspect using measures which might not be visible to the public.
Police are also concerned that there may be more victims, and have asked them to come forward. Likewise, any witnesses should also contact investigators.
The issue was briefly referenced in a police statement issued at the late afternoon as New Year's Eve festivities were about to get underway. Police at the time warned of "an increase in sexual assaults" in those two Rotterdam districts.
"The police are calling on women to be extra alert in this area at these times and to call 112 in case of suspicious situations," authorities said at the time.
Police refined their call on Thursday, saying everyone should be alert for suspicious situations, regardless of gender. "This call was made in this way because all victims in this case are women."
