Police investigate three attacks on women in East Boston

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Police are asking women to remain alert after three reported sexual assaults in East Boston.

Investigators say all three attacks occurred on Monday, with the first happening just before 4:30 p.m. in the area of Trenton Street. The victim told police she was taking the trash out when an unknown man who smelled of alcohol grabbed her from behind. The man then pushed her to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her, but she was able to fight him off.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A second incident happened about 20 minutes later again in the area of Trenton Street. The victim told police she was entering her apartment when a man who smelled of alcohol approached her and knocked her to the ground. She told police the suspect fled when she began to scream in an effort to fight him off.

Police then responded to a reported assault and battery in the area of Chelsea Street at 8 p.m. Again the victim said she was approached from behind by a man who smelled of alcohol. The suspect displayed a knife and attempted to sexually assault her. He took off hen she fell to the ground.

Police believe the attacks may be related. The descriptions of the suspect given by the victims shared similarities. In all three cases, the women describe their attacker as being in his thirties or forties, with a medium complexion and build, and wearing all black clothing. In two of the cases, the victims described the man as having a mole or a mark on his left cheek.

Anyone with information is asked to call Boston police at 617-343-4400. Tips can also be made anonymously to the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at  1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463).

Cox Media Group