A 31-year-old man from Bristol has been given a hospital order after committing a series of sexual offences against women.

Haroon Shahid, from Fishponds, was found to have carried out two counts of attempted rape and one sexual assault in the Clifton and Redland areas during early 2024. Investigating officer Det Con Florence Dickinson commended the three victims, stating they each "played an invaluable part in ensuring a dangerous sexual offender is off the streets and unable to commit any further harm".

A section 41 restriction means Shahid can only be discharged from hospital if the justice secretary agrees. The hospital order was issued under section 37 of the Mental Health Act following work led by Avon and Somerset Police's dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, Operation Bluestone.

Det Con Dickinson praised the victims for their "incredible strength and bravery" in coming forward to report their experiences, supporting the investigation, and attending court. She believes there may be more victims who have yet to come forward, urging anyone affected or wanting to speak to police to call 101 or contact officers online using reference number: 5224075576.

The jury at Bristol Crown Court reached a unanimous decision on March 19th following a trial of facts. This process is used when, based on medical evidence, a court decides a person is unfit to stand trial. A trial of the facts is then held to determine whether the accused committed the alleged offences.