York and Peel police are investigating two incidents of violent sexual assault they believe to be related.

The first took place around midnight on the morning of Sept. 27 in Mississauga. Police say a female was coming off a bus near South Service Rd. and Crestview Ave. when a male with a weapon dragged her into a dark area and sexually assaulted her; the woman suffered minor injuries.

In the second incident, a female was sent to hospital after she was sexually assaulted in Richmond Hill. It is alleged that at 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 13, she was getting off a bus at Yonge St. and Bernard Ave. when a male came up to her demanding money; he grabbed her, pulled her into a dark area and sexually assaulted her.

Police suspect the same person is responsible for both attacks. They say he seems to target petite females as they are getting off buses after dark, using physical force to overpower and assault them.

They describe the suspect as 5-foot-10 to 6 feet tall and muscular, with a light-to-medium skin tone. His face was covered, however.

York police are recommending people travel in pairs after dark, avoid wearing headphones while walking, walk in well-lit, high-traffic areas and notify others of travel plans.

Those who have experienced similar incidents are asked to report them to police.

The York police Special Victims Unit — Sexual Assault Section has set up a tip line at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2400. Anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).