In the first incident, which happened at about 12.15pm on Saturday when a young woman was punched twice in the head and threatened with a knife in Limes Walk, Oakengates.

A member of the public intervened and the offender made several verbal threats before leaving the scene, possibly in a vehicle with another man.

At about 3.30pm, a man walking from Asda in the town centre towards the railway station was approached by another, believed to be the same offender in the earlier assault, near the footbridge.

The suspect threatened the victim with what is believed to be a Stanley-style knife and a scuffle broke out, resulting in the offender cutting the victim’s head and face with the knife.

The victim managed to push him away and the offender walked off on foot. Police were called and a search made of the area but he was not found.

Police Constable Sharon Major, who is investigating the assaults, said the offender was wearing a distinctive black or blue and white striped woolly hat, a dark jacket over a light top and dark tracksuit bottoms.

She added: “The incidents themselves appear to have been unprovoked at this stage. The same offender is believed to have been responsible and was known to both victims.

“Fortunately, neither victim was seriously injured although the man did attend hospital later that day, where the lacerations to his head and face were glued.

“If anyone saw either of these incidents take place, please could they contact police on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.”