A man has been arrested in Western Australia over two separate physical attacks and a sexual assault that left two women in hospital in New South Wales.
NSW Police established Strike Force Noobillia to investigate two attacks in the Goulburn area they believe were linked.
Sex crimes detectives last week released CCTV footage of the offender walking with one of the victims before they were attacked.
About 11pm on Friday, April 14, a 19-year-old woman was approached by an unknown man on Bourke St, Goulburn.
Police say the pair walked a short while together, before she was grabbed, thrown to the ground, and punched in the face "numerous times" until she lost consciousness.
It is believed the woman was then sexually assaulted, NSW Police said.
Upon regaining consciousness, the woman flagged down help, reported the attack to police, and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Detectives said investigations into the assault led them to believe it may be linked to a similar assault on April 5.
On that occasion, an 18-year-old woman was walking along Blackshaw Rd, Goulburn, at night when she was approached and punched in the face by an unknown man.
After falling and continuing to be assaulted, the victim broke free and ran away.
She was later taken to hospital with facial injuries.
Police to seek man's extradition
Detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Goulburn about 8am on Sunday.
Officers from WA Police arrested a 41-year-old Goulburn man at a Fremantle hotel later that day, before taking him to the Perth Watch House.
NSW Police say investigations are still ongoing, and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
