but victims claim they are foreign

A Swedish town has refused to turn its street lights off for just an hour amid fears that women will fall victim to sex attacks.

Police in Östersund have taken the measure to ban Earth Hour, a festival organised to raise awareness on climate change, after 14 separate reports of sex attacks in the area.

Victims have ranged from adult women to 10-year-old girls and perpetrators have managed to avoid capture.

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Police in Östersund, pictured, have decided to cancel Earth Hour amid fears of sex attacks on women

Police have refused to give information on the appearance of the attackers but victims have reported characteristics to be of a foreign origin.

The decision to cancel Earth Hour, which involves lights being turned off around the world at the same time, was made in partnership with the local council and comes just weeks after police warned women to stay indoors at night.

Chief constable Stephen Jerand, told Sweden Television News: 'We think it's a very wise move and that the municipality made a good decision.

'Keeping the lights on creates security and is in line with our common efforts to increase security under current conditions'.

Social Democrat spokesman for the local council, Ann-Sofie Andersson added: 'Earth Hour is a good and important event, but this year we chose to have the street lights on in view of what has happened. We want everyone to feel safe'.

Among the disturbing list of cases being investigated by officers are the attempted rape of two ten year old girls at a bus stop, molestations, beatings and other attacks.

Östersund, pictured during a previous Earth Hour event, has experienced a recent spate of sex attacks

It has also been reported that volunteers have joined police out on the street to help them with their night-time patrols.

Locals believe the attacks can be traced back to a 500-strong settlement of migrants just outside the town.