Hamilton police have released a composite sketch of a suspect who has been slapping women's bums in the east end.

Police are investigating three assaults they believe are linked. In all three cases, the man was riding a bike.

The first one occurred on Aug. 10 at about 3:30 p.m. A woman was walking near Barton Street East and Kenilworth Avenue North when a stranger rode up from behind and slapped her buttocks.

The next one happened on Sept. 26, when a woman was walking around Cope Street and Roxborough Avenue at about 7:40 p.m. A stranger rode toward her, slapping her behind as he passed.

Later, on Sept. 30 about 7 p.m., a woman was walking around Harmony and Britannia avenues when a stranger rode up behind her and grabbed her buttocks.

The suspect in all three incidents is described as a white man in his mid-20s to early-30s with a tall, thin build. He was wearing a T-shirt and blue jeans in all three cases and is described as having facial scruff. He was riding a dark-coloured bicycle and in one incident had what's described as a backpack.

Police believe there may be witnesses in these areas who saw the suspect. They are asked to contact Det. Sabrina Feser at 905-546-3854 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.