Police are seeking the public’s help and trying to raise awareness in a west-end neighbourhood after a series of recent sex assaults that they say could escalate.

Det. Const. Phil Campbell revealed Wednesday that the force is investigating six sexual assaults during the last two months in which a black man attacked young women after approaching them from behind at night.

“We are always concerned this could escalate,” Campbell told reporters at the corner of Bloor St. W. and Christie St.

Campbell, who works in the force’s sex crimes unit, said police presence in the area has been increased with uniformed and plainclothes officers in efforts to capture one or possibly more assailants.

“We’re not sure at this time,” he said about whether the same individual is responsible for all the attacks. “All we can say right now is that the attacks have been similar and the subject description has been described as similar.”

Campbell would not provide more details about the assaults or the level of violence.

The incidents began in the Spadina Ave.-College St. area on July 4, continued near Denison Square and Augusta Ave. on July 6, and resumed with two more incidents close to the Bloor-Christie intersection and Bloor-Grace Sts. on Aug. 19.

Two more incidents followed in the Christie-Clinton Sts. area on Tuesday and Bloor-Grace again early Wednesday. Police said the six victims were between 16 and 26.

Police issued a “sexual assault alert” and put out safety tips to the public on Aug. 24 but the attacks continued this week.

In the July incidents, police described the assailant as black, between 25 and 40 years old, about six feet tall with short black hair and medium to stocky build. He wore dark clothing

Police said the assailant in the last four incidents was black, between 17 and 35 years old, about five-foot-seven with a medium to stocky build and short black hair. In the last two incidents, he wore a light coloured shirt and red shorts, Campbell said.

He pleaded with the public to call 911 or him (at 416-808-7474) if they have any information that could help police apprehend a suspect.

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Campbell also alerted the public to be cautious when walking outside.

“I think the best thing for anybody is to just remain aware and be aware of your surroundings,” he noted. “If they see anything suspicious, if they feel something isn’t right, call 911.”