A MAN has been threatening lone women along a stretch of the river Severn in Worcester.

Social media reports have warned women about incidents on the St John's side of the river near Diglis weir and urging them not to use the path alone.

West Merica Police said it is continuing to carry out patrols around the area adding that it was focused on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls.

A man approached a woman and acted in an intimidating manner at around 6.30am to 6.50am on Monday (November 15) according to police.

A police spokesman said: "Officers received a report of a woman having been approached by a man on the river bank path in St John’s.

"The man was reported to be acting in an intimidating manner.

"No injuries were reported.

"Officers attended, conducted a search of the area and offered the woman full support."

Also this week, another man was attacked by a thug on the same stretch of path.

The victim is thought to have been a good Samaritan who came to the aide of a woman who was being shouted at by a man on the same stretch of path.

The thug swung a tree branch at the man who had come to help the woman at about 8.40am yesterday (Thursday).

Though it is not known if the incidents are linked, in some of the social media reports the aggressive man is described as wearing a trilby hat.

The police spokesman continued: "Officers received a report of a man having been shouted at and struck with a tree branch by a man on the river bank path in St John’s, Worcester.

"No injuries were reported.

"Officers continue to carry out patrols in the area and ask anyone with any concerns to please visit www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about."

He advised people to always dial 999 in an emergency, adding: "West Mercia Police are focussed on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls.

"We prioritise domestic abuse, serious sexual offences, stalking and harassment, aiming to bring offenders to justice and support victims.  

"We carry out regular patrols and work closely with our local partners, taking a joined up approach across our three counties; and we are committed to working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Home Office and other U.K. forces to ensure a clear and coherent approach across policing nationally."

A march to highlight violence against women and girls will be taking place on Thursday, November 25.

Leisa Taylor, from Women's Equality Party, who is one of the organisers of the Reclaim the Night march said everyone had the right to feel safer in their homes, in their communities and in public spaces.

"This year we've had Everyone's Invited calling out the shocking fact of assaults in our schools and Sarah Everard's murder highlighting the prevalence of femicide in our country and gendered violence in the institutions meant to protect us.

"Calling these out has resulted in a backlash from perpetrators - a rise in activity in Men's Rights groups and the recent spiking pandemic, means women are feeling particularly vulnerable right now.

"It's why we're working with lots of local groups and individuals to organise the Reclaim the Night event - to show solidarity with all the victims of male violence."