Man charged after seven women sexually assaulted at Huddersfield University

Summarised from 5 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 13 Nov, 16:13 · Archive

A man has been charged with sexual assaults after seven women were targeted on the University of Huddersfield campus on Tuesday evening.

Seven women were sexually assaulted around and near the University of Huddersfield campus on Tuesday evening between 6pm and 6.30pm. Officers were called to the university after reports from its security office of a man approaching and sexually touching women. All seven women managed to get away from the suspect after he approached and grabbed them.

West Yorkshire Police arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault offences on 11 November. On Friday, the force confirmed that Sophan Akbash, of Cross Lane, Huddersfield, had been charged with nine counts of sexual assault. He appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on the same day.

Detective Inspector Sarah Bradley of the Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit said the force recognised the distress caused by the incident and confirmed a comprehensive investigation remained ongoing. She said officers continued to work closely with the university to provide reassurance to students and staff and remained committed to supporting victims and safeguarding those living, studying and working in Huddersfield.

The University of Huddersfield is supporting those affected. Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Tim Thornton said the university recognised incidents of this nature were deeply concerning and was providing well-being support to anyone affected. As a precaution, the university has increased security patrols around campus and is encouraging members of its community to use its SafeZone app, which provides direct access to emergency assistance and support from the campus support and safety team.

How it is being reported

• Police issue major update on Huddersfield University ‘30-minute sexual assault spree’The horrific alleged incidents took place on Tuesday evening.Daily Express · 13 Nov, 10:06
• Man charged following alleged sexual assaults at university campusOfficers were called to Huddersfield University by security staff on Tuesday.Evening Standard · 13 Nov, 09:59
• Man arrested after seven women sexually assaulted at university campus in depraved 30-minute rampageOfficers were called to Huddersfield University on Tuesday following several reports of a man approaching and then sexually touching a litany of women.Daily Mail · 12 Nov, 12:08
• Man arrested after seven women sexually assaulted in 30 minutes at university campusThe women were assaulted around and near Huddersfield University campus (Picture: Getty Images) A man has been arrested after he sexually assaulted seven women in a 30-minute spree on a university campus. Officers were called to Huddersfield University on Tuesday after reports of a man approaching…Metro · 12 Nov, 09:21
• Seven women 'sexually assaulted' in just 30 minutes at University of HuddersfieldSeven women were allegedly sexually assaulted within just 30 minutes around the grounds of the University of HuddersfieldThe Mirror · 12 Nov, 08:30
• Horror as seven women ‘sexually assaulted’ in 30 minutes near UK universityPolice have issued an urgent appeal to anyone who may have information.Daily Express · 12 Nov, 08:18

In this story: University of Huddersfield · West Yorkshire Police · Sophan Akbash · Sarah Bradley · Tim Thornton · Leeds Magistrates' Court · Huddersfield · Cross Lane

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log