charged with serious sexual assault on a woman.

Detectives from the Major Incident Room arrested the alleged attacker on Monday following a high-profile investigation, which led to spot checks on vehicles and increased surveillance.

The man is accused of seriously sexually assaulting a 29-year-old Southampton woman around 3 a.m. on a Saturday morning in October, near to the Kingdom Hall Jehovah's Witness church on Middle Road.

She had accepted a ride home from the unknown male as she walked along Middle Road in Warwick, but grew concerned when the driver failed to follow her directions.

She jumped off the bike in Southampton and continued her journey on foot when she was suddenly grabbed from behind, dragged to nearby undergrowth and sexually assaulted.

The incident was one of 12 sexual or violent attacks on women on the Island between the end of August and mid-November and led to increasing concern about the safety of females at night.

Detective Chief Inspector Carlton Adams, who led the investigation, said last night that progress in the case had been made to the point where a file was prepared and reviewed by the Department of Public Prosecutions.

As a result, Police were yesterday instructed to charge the man with serious sexual assault.

Det. Chief Insp. Adams said: "Whenever these offences occur, obviously it is of concern to members of the public, as well as to ourselves.

"We make every effort to bring the culprits to justice, urging calm and patience on the part of the public, while Police investigations continue.

"In this particular case, patience and the diligent skill of our officers brought quick results.

"In the meantime, our investigations into two other incidents continue.'' Police have arrested a 27-year-old man following an alleged rape on a teenaged woman in Devonshire.

The man was picked up by Police at 10 a.m. yesterday and taken to Hamilton Police Station, where he was being questioned last night.

The serious sexual assault on the 18-year-old is alleged to have taken place at a residence in Devonshire soon after 3 a.m. yesterday.

The victim said she was punched in the face by her attacker, whom she knew, before being subjected to the sexual assault.

The incident was reported to Police at about 5 a.m. and the victim taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment and observation. She was later released.