Ottawa police have released a sketch of the suspect in a series of sexual assaults that have rocked the capital in recent weeks.

The man is suspected of committing seven sexual assaults in which women were approached from behind and had their pants pulled down.

In an eighth incident, a woman was followed into Riverview Public School near the intersection of Drake Avenue and Knox Crescent.

Five of the attacks where women's pants were pulled down occurred in the downtown core while two more happened in Alta Vista between April 14 and April 27. They've happened both late at night and early in the morning.

The assaults have left many people across the city worried.

"I now make sure my doors are locked, having two daughters, you can't be too safe," said Jemma Gabreyohanes who lives near the location of one of the attacks.

The suspect is described as a white man between 20 and 30 years-old-old. He is about five-feet-six inches tall with an average to medium build. He has short dark hair and dark eyes and was seen wearing a dark hooded jacket and, in some instances, a dark baseball cap.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Tip line Section at 613-236-1222 ext. 5760 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or 1-800-222-8477.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Vanessa Lee