Police are searching undergrowth near a Hythe canal today after two alleged sex attacks.

Officers were seen hunting for evidence yesterday close to the scene of the first reported assault on a woman in her 20s.

They are to continue their search today as part of their "ongoing investigation" after two men were arrested and released on bail.

Detectives earlier said they were not linking the two incidents, in which two women in their 20s reported being sexually assaulted along the path next to the Royal Military Canal.

The first was reported to have happened at 7.30am on Sunday, June 22 along the canal footpath which runs parallel to Seabrook Road.

A woman in her 20s was reportedly walking along the path between Cannongate Road and Hospital Hill and was dragged into a secluded after being approached by a man who sexually assaulted her.

The second incident was in the early hours of Saturday morning, July 5.

A woman in her 20s was walking along Green Lane - close to the canal - at 1.30am when she was allegedly approached from behind and forced into bushes before being sexually assaulted.

Police have arrested two men - a 42-year-old who has been released on bail until September 5 and a 30-year-old who was also given bail until September 30.

Earlier, DCI Paul Fotheringham, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: I would like to remind members of the public that whilst incidents such as these are very rare, it is still important to think about your personal safety when out and about.

"Stick to well-lit areas and try and avoid travelling alone at night.

"It is also helpful to let others know where you’re going and when you’ll be home.
"My officers and I are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry and this is very much a live investigation.

"We are aware of the similarities in the nature of the two offences and their locations, however, at this stage we are not formally linking them and we are keeping an open mind."

Video: Police search for evidence near Royal Military Canal

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 01303 289600 - quoting reference ZY/20632/14 - or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.