NEW YORK — Police in Manhattan are searching for a man they believe is responsible for a series of attacks on three women Wednesday morning inside Inwood Hill Park.

According to investigators, the first attack happened at 11 a.m. when a woman was approached by a man who threatened to rape her. Police say he then punched her and stole her phone and watch.

Sources tell NY1 they believe the same man threatened a second woman, but ran off when a jogger appeared nearby.

A third woman was attacked shortly after that and was hit in the head with a tree branch by the same man. 

Police say she lost consciousness and had her shorts pulled down and that a passerby found her.

She was taken to the hospital for treatment. 

Police say the male suspect is between 5'10" and 6'3" tall.

Anyone with information on the cases should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-8477, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.