Man charged after seven women sexually assaulted near Huddersfield University

Summarised from 4 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 13 Nov, 16:02 · Archive

A man has been charged with sexual assaults on seven women at the University of Huddersfield.

Seven women were sexually assaulted at and around the University of Huddersfield on Tuesday evening. Police said the incidents occurred between 6pm and 6.30pm when a man approached the women and sexually touched them. All of the women managed to get away from the suspect before police were called by the university's security office.

Following an investigation, Sophan Akbash, 29, of Cross Lane in Huddersfield, was arrested and later charged with nine counts of sexual assault. He appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Friday, 13 November.

Detective Inspector Sarah Bradley of Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit said the force recognised the distress caused by the incident and confirmed a comprehensive investigation remained ongoing. She said police would continue working closely with the university to provide reassurance to students and staff.

Professor Tim Thornton, the University of Huddersfield's deputy vice-chancellor, said the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and visitors was the university's highest priority. The university said it was providing wellbeing support to those affected and had increased security patrols on campus. It also encouraged members of its community to use its SafeZone app, which provides access to emergency assistance and support from the campus safety team.

How it is being reported

• Man charged over multiple sex assaults at universitySophan Akbash, 29, from Huddersfield, is due to appear before Leeds Magistrates Court later.BBC Leeds And West Yorkshire · 13 Nov, 10:14
• Man charged following alleged sexual assaults at Huddersfield University campusA 29-year-old man has been charged with sexual assaults on a number of women after an incident at a university campus.Yorkshire Post · 13 Nov, 10:09
• Huddersfield man in court charged with sexual assaults on university campusHe will appear in court todayHuddersfield Examiner · 13 Nov, 09:27
• Huddersfield University: Man arrested after seven women sexually assaultedA man has been arrested after a number of women said they had been sexually assaulted at a university.Yorkshire Post · 12 Nov, 10:07
• Man arrested after seven women reportedly sexually assaulted near universityA man has been arrested following a series of reported sexual assaults near a university campus.Telegraph & Argus · 12 Nov, 09:54
• Man arrested after sexual assaults at universitySeven women were approached and grabbed in Huddersfield, police say, with a 29-year-old man held.BBC Leeds And West Yorkshire · 12 Nov, 06:13
• Seven women sexually assaulted in 30 minutes near Huddersfield universityA man has been arrested and remains in custodyHuddersfield Examiner · 11 Nov, 17:07

In this story: Sophan Akbash · University of Huddersfield · Huddersfield · Leeds Magistrates' Court · West Yorkshire Police

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