Cardiff students urged to 'stay together' after sex attacks

Students in Cardiff have been urged to stay in pairs on nights out following three sexual assaults within a mile of each other over five days.

The area has a high student population and Cardiff University security staff have visited halls of residence where new undergraduates have just moved in.

This week's early hours attacks happened at Gorsedd Gardens, Cardiff Civic Centre, and in Cathays Terrace.

Two Cardiff men, 40 and 22, were arrested, with the 22-year-old bailed.

However, South Wales Police stressed it was too early to say whether the attacks were linked.

Additional high visibility patrols aimed at reassuring the public will continue Friday night and over the weekend.

"As the investigation continues we want people to be able to go out, enjoy themselves and feel safe in our capital city," a South Wales Police spokesman said.

Thousands of students flooded back into Cardiff last week for the start of the new university year.

"The key message we're giving students are to be at least in a pair when out and about, stay in well-lit parts of Cardiff, make sure someone knows where you're going and be sensible," said pro vice-chancellor Prof Patricia Price.

"We're not saying students shouldn't be having a good time but we want them to be safe, we want them to look after each other and we want them to make sure they're all safe together."

She added: "We've been very proactive in making sure our students and staff are aware of the dangers that can lie ahead but we want to stress that Cardiff is a safe city and we want to keep it that way so we're working with the police and security services to make sure the message is out."

The first attack happened at about 03:00 BST on Sunday close to the main Cardiff University buildings in the civic centre of the city involving a 20-year-old victim.

Another 20-year-old was attacked in Cathays Terrace on Tuesday and at about 04:30 BST on Thursday, a 19-year-old was targeted in Gorsedd Gardens.

Chief Supt Belinda Davies told a news conference on Thursday: "My message is one of zero tolerance towards anyone who commits these appalling crimes.

"Crimes like this are never the victim's fault, but I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to follow basic safety advice so they keep themselves and their friends safe."