By Jenny Barwise

Last updated 10:38, Saturday, 06 September 2008

A Whitehaven man is starting self defence classes for women following two sex attacks and a possible third in west Cumbria.

Self Defence: Trevor Cunningham practising with Pat Carr

Trevor Cunningham, 42, of Sunny Hill, will hold the classes in Workington Sports Centre in Moorclose on Monday nights between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

Mr Cunningham, a world, British and European champion in jujitsu, currently runs mixed self defence classes for children and adults at the sports centre, but is starting one exclusively for women.

He said: “It is very rare to get women coming down to the classes where lots of men are. “There are no classes at the moment just for women and I thought it would be a good idea with all the assaults going on.

“There is nothing going on for women regarding self defence and I will be teaching basic self defence – how to get away.”

Police have launched a joint investigation into the attacks which have happened during the past six weeks.

They have also issued a warning to women in the area to take extra steps to ensure their personal safety.

The latest assault happened in Whitehaven on Sunday morning when a 19-year-old was walking home along New Road at 5am and was approached by a man.

The man started a conversation with her and then grabbed her from behind and tried to drag her down a pathway between New Road and Wellington Row.

The woman, who lives in Whitehaven, struggled and managed to break away from the man and run in the direction of the town centre.

The first serious sex attack took place on Mossbay Road, Workington on July 31.

The victim was walking alone along the road between 10pm and 10.30pm when she was approached by a man, who started talking to her then dragged her off the road behind nearby bushes and subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

The offender is described as between 18 and 26 years old, of athletic build and around 6ft tall. He had a tattoo on his right hand and a possible injury to his right thumb. He had a shaved left eyebrow and a local accent.

The second attack took place just after 4am on August 11 when a 16-year-old girl was walking home from work along Hunter Street, Workington.

She was punched from behind by a man and dragged into an alley where it is believed the man intended to commit a sex assault against her.

The victim managed to grab her mobile phone and as a result the man ran off in the direction of Gray Street.

Police have spoken to more than 200 men regarding the incidents.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 3300247 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.