The RCMP has issued a warning to the public following two alleged incidents of sexual assault in Maple Ridge.

Both attacks occurred early this morning (December 15), between 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., a short distance from one another.

According to an RMCP media release, the first incident happened near 210th Street north of Dewdney Trunk Road and the second was on Dewdney Trunk Road near Laity Street.

“In both instances the suspect approached the victims from behind, grabbed their buttocks and left without further incident,” the release reads.

The two girls were both on their way to school. They were walking separately and did not know one another.

“The suspect is described as a Caucasian man in his early 20s, approximately 6’ tall with a slim build,” the release reads. “He was wearing a dark hoodie with the hood up and jeans. The investigation is in the early stages and no further information is available at this time.”

“Ridge Meadows RCMP are warning the public, particularly parents and young teenage girls, about two alleged sexual assaults that occurred early this morning.”