POLICE investigating a series of attacks on women in Belfast have released a CCTV image of a man on a bike - and details of another stabbing.
The image of a man detectives urgently want to identify was revealed along with an updated timeline of the six attacks.
The attacker has been described as wearing dark clothing, possibly a hooded top, and cycling a mountain bike which may have had a light-coloured frame and reflectors on the spokes.
He was also thought to be wearing a black mask and a backpack.
The victims, all aged between 19 and 22, were targeted in the city centre on Monday night.
They suffered wounds to the neck, arm and the back of the leg areas.
Some were accompanied by friends at the time, and officers do not believe robbery was a motive.
In a statement last night, Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said that having collated and reviewed CCTV footage and following a report of a sixth attack, police have established a more accurate timeline.
“The first incident occurred in Castle Place at 7.42pm, in which a female pedestrian received a stab wound," he said.
“The second stabbing occurred at 7.51pm on the Ormeau Avenue between the Linenhall Street and Adelaide Steet Junctions.
"The third stabbing occurred at 8.56pm on Donegall Square West."
He said in the fourth incident, which happened some time between 8.56pm and 9.01pm on the Dublin Road, a woman received a punch to the back of her head.
“In the fifth incident at 9.01pm, another female received a stab wound as she walked along the University Road, near Mount Charles.
“In the sixth incident, a female was punched in the neck on the Upper Lisburn Road near Dunluce Avenue at around 9.03pm and we believe this to have been carried out by the same man.
“Four of the females received treatment in hospital for puncture injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.
“We believe that each of these attacks were carried out by a male on a bicycle
“All six women are aged between 19 and 22.
“While their injuries were minor and not life threatening, these are very serious incidents. These were frightening random attacks for these young women but thankfully incidents like this are extremely rare."
On Tuesday, Chief Supt Walls advised women to "be vigilant, know where you are" and if you go out "try to be with a friend or in groups"
He said yesterday that officers are carrying out additional patrols across the city centre and south Belfast and appealed for any drivers who were in the areas to review dash cam footage and business owners to check CCTV.
"We are doing everything we can to identify and arrest this man."
