A 28-year-old man from Leatherhead who was arrested in connection with two attempted abductions has been released on police bail.

He was arrested in connection with two incidents in recent days involving women being grabbed by a man and has been bailed until July 29 pending further enquiries.

The first incident occurred at around 1.40am on Sunday, July 17, near the Five Rivers restaurant in Bridge Street.

The 20-year-old victim was grabbed from behind by a man and pulled into an alleyway. The woman screamed several times before managing to run away and alert police.

The suspect was described as an Asian man, around 5ft 11inches tall. He was wearing a dark, short-sleeved T-shirt and dark blue jeans at the time of the incident.

Yesterday (July 19), police received a second call reporting a similar incident which occurred during the early hours of the morning.

The victim was walking near Downsend School, in Leatherhead Road, sometime between 12.30am and 1am, when a man grabbed her by the top of her dress, telling her to come with him.

At this point a silver Jeep pulled up, causing the man to let go of the woman and make off in the direction of Ashtead. The female driver took the victim home but did not leave any contact details.

The suspect in this incident was described as a man in his 30’s, who was around 5ft 10ins tall. The victim said the man was skinny but looked bulky due to the clothing he was wearing, which included a dark-coloured jacket with a light hooded jumper underneath and dark tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Inspector David Cooper, investigating, said: "Given the similarity of these incidents we are linking the two attacks.

"A thorough and extensive investigation is being carried out, including house to house enquiries and reviewing local CCTV footage.

"A key line of our enquiry is identifying the driver of the silver Jeep who could be a key witness to this second incident. I would urge her to contact officers immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who was in the area of either of these incidents who recalls seeing someone matching the descriptions given by these victims is asked to get in touch.

"Any information, however small it may seem, could identify the perpetrator and ensure they are brought to justice for these frightening and distressing attacks."

Neighbourhood Inspector Terri Poulton said patrols in the area had been increased in a bid to reassure residents.

"I would like to reassure the local community that we are taking these matters very seriously and have increased patrols in the area," Insp Poulton said.

"Incidents of this nature are rare in the Leatherhead area however I would urge members of the public to take sensible precautions when walking home at night.

"You should avoid walking home alone after an evening out and opt to either walk with friends or take a taxi.

"If for whatever reason you do find yourself alone then try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid using a personal music player or mobile phone.

"If you think that you are being followed, walk to the busiest place you can find, knock on a door and then call the police."

Anyone with information about either of these incidents should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference MV/11/2908, or Crimestoppers anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111