Man arrested in Cardiff sex attacks probe

Detectives investigating a spate of sex attacks in Cardiff over five days have arrested a man.

Three women - one aged 19 and two aged 20 - reported being attacked within a mile of one another in the Welsh capital.

South Wales Police said a 23-year-old man from Cardiff has been held on suspicion of sexual assault in connection with an alleged attack at Gorsedd Gardens in Cardiff Civic Centre at 4.30am on Thursday.

Earlier, detectives released CCTV and pictures of a man they believed could help them with their investigation into that incident.

Police are also investigating two other attacks.

In the second, a 20-year-old woman was attacked at a house in the Cathays area of the city during the early hours of Tuesday.

And earlier today, Remus Hamza, 40, from the Riverside area of Cardiff, appeared before magistrates accused of raping a woman close to Cardiff University in the early hours of Sunday.

He was remanded into custody to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on October 12.

Additional safety measures have been introduced in Cardiff, including extra buses, and increased police patrols.

Superintendent Andy Valentine said: "We recognise that the events of this week have focused attention upon the safety of young women in Cardiff.

"I want to reiterate that South Wales Police will not tolerate sexual violence and that we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.

"We are continuing our high-visibility patrols throughout the city centre and surrounding areas to reassure students and the wider public.

"We are also working together with our partners in the universities in Cardiff as well as the local authority to put in place additional safety measures, including extra student safety buses staffed by police officers and student volunteers.

"Student unions have also been working with Cardiff's taxi firms to ensure drivers will take their passengers safely back home at the end of their evening out and you are encouraged to make use of this service.

"Cardiff's licensees' forum and trained professional door staff have also taken extra measures to help ensure the safety of their customers."