Student housing complexes in Wageningen are under extra surveillance and students have been warned not to go out alone at night following three attacks on young women in the last two weeks, broadcaster NOS reports.

On Saturday evening a 22-year-old student was attacked by three men who jumped from the bushes and threatened her with a weapon. She managed to make her escape but was slightly wounded.

A week earlier a 21-year-old woman was robbed of her bag in the same spot while on the previous Wednesday a woman was attacked near the university campus by a man wearing a balaclava.

Police are looking for witnesses and said the men are between 25 and 30, wore hoodies, dark clothing and spoke English with a Dutch accent.

A university spokesman said surveillance around the university buildings will be increased and student accommodation provider Idealis said it will also step up surveillance around student digs.

‘Two out of the three women were students, which may mean students are being targeted. But let us hope it is a coincidence,’ the spokesman told NOS.

Student organisations have warned their members not to go out alone at night.