POLICE are to keep a watchful eye on Lancaster's new Millennium Bridge after a series of violent night-time incidents.

In recent weeks, the bridge and the area around it have seen a serious indecent assault and two assaults, all late at night.

Officers are emphasising that the bridge is still safe, but have advised people using it to be vigilant.

"There have been several incidents there in recent weeks," said Inspector Ralph Copley of Lancaster police: "But what I would not want to do is discourage people from using it.

"What I would suggest is that people who are using it late at night should be very vigilant. I think that advice also goes for anyone using any area of the city late at night.

"I would also advise women not to walk home late at night and, if they absolutely have to, to stick to well lit areas and try to keep other people in view at all times."

He added: "We are conscious of what has happened at the bridge, and we will be doing our utmost to ensure that we do provide police presence in that area."

The city council has confirmed that CCTV cameras are to be introduced on the bridge to improve safety.

In the latest attack, on Saturday night, an 18 year old man and a friend was approached by four youths on the Skerton side of the bridge while returning from a friend's house.

They then punched the 18 year old in the head and knocked him to the floor before running off, laughing.

The attack took place at around 11.25pm on Saturday. Descriptions have been provided of two of the men responsible for the attack.

The first is 16 to 17 years old, 5ft 8in tall, of broad build, with short, fair hair, wearing a grey or white jumper and dark tracksuit bottoms.

The second is 15 to 16 years old, of medium build, and wore a baseball cap, grey sweatshirt, dark tracksuit bottoms and had light blonde or ginger hair.