Police in L'Derry are investigating the second knifepoint attack on a woman in the space of two days.

A woman, aged in her 40s, was walking her dog shortly before 3pm in Top of the Hill Park in the Waterside area on Saturday, November 2, when this latest incident occurred.

She was approached by a man yielding a kitchen knife, who grabbed at the woman.

However, the woman swung her dog lead at him and called out in defence before the attacker fled.

Despite prompt police response, the man had left the area and is suspected to have headed in the direction of Corrody Road.

He is described as a white man in his 20s, around 5' 11" tall with a slim build and was wearing all black clothing. He had his hoody pulled tight around his face.

Police are now exploring the possibility that this attack is linked to a similar incident, which occurred Friday night.

Both of these attacks are suspected to be sexually motivated.

Detective Inspector Ross Olphert said: "We understand that there will be concern in the community at a second knifepoint attack on a woman in just two days, with this latest one occurring during daylight hours, however, I can assure residents that a focused, tactical patrolling plan - which includes a high visibility police presence in key areas such as our local parks - has been implemented and there will be an increased police presence across the city in coming days.

"Whilst we are carrying out a number of enquiries to establish if there is any definitive link between these two attacks, I can assure residents that there is no link to attacks in the city centre last week.

"In both of those cases a suspect has been identified and those cases are ongoing.

"We are engaging with our communities and partners in the city around what we can do, as a collective, to ensure women and girls feel safe and empowered to go about their lives without fear.

"In the interim I would ask that if you notice someone acting suspiciously or if a person's behaviour causes you concern, do not approach and instead call police immediately.

"Witnesses or anyone with information that could potentially assist our investigations can call 101 or submit online."