Police have stepped up patrols along the canal in Birmingham after five women were pushed into the water in just one night.
One woman, who was cycling alone when she was targeted by the ten-strong gang, has spoken out about her ordeal in order to raise awareness of the 'canal pusher' gang.
Sophie Watson, 26, said she was attacked by a teenage gang as she rode home to the Jewellery Quarter on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal on Friday evening, June 12.
As she was left bruised and soaking, she came across another woman who appeared to have suffered the same attack.
Speaking to BirminghamLive, Sophie said "at least five women" had been targeted along the canal on the same night.
While only one incident has been reported to the police, officers have increased their foot patrols along the canal route.
Sophie reported what happened to her, but said there were no witnesses to her attack as the stretch of canal had been quiet at the time.
"I was coming from the university towards the city centre, along the canal, when I saw around ten boys on bikes shouting between them," she said.
"I squeezed past - I was right next to the canal - and one of them nudged me in.
"They just cycled on towards Stirchley, laughing.
"There was no-one around to call for help so I climbed out and headed on home.
"But a little further down the canal I saw another woman - roughly the same age as me - being helped out of the water. Two men had stopped to help her.
"She'd been pushed in too."
Sophie later tweeted about her experience and has since heard about other women being pushed in to the canal near Bournville, also on Friday night.
"I cycle this route most days and had just been out for a bit of exercise. I'd travelled down cycle route five to Stichley, then back along the canal," she said.
"I always wondered when I'd end up falling in, I never expected I'd be pushed in.
"People have since contacted me to say they knew of others who had been pushed in around Bournville last night.
"It was a shock but my biggest worry is that it will deter women from cycling," she added.
"I'll continue to cycle but will steer clear of the canal for a while."
The yobs who targeted Ms Watson as she was cycling were said to have been aged between 14 and 17.
A statement from West Midlands Police read: "We were called to reports of a woman cyclist being pushed into a canal near Carver Street, Birmingham just after 6.40pm on Friday evening.
"We are also aware of reports on social media of other similar incidents and would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us.
"Officers in the neighbourhood teams will be linking in with partnership agencies including Canal Watch to offer support and reassurance to those using the city's canal networks.
"Anyone with information can contact us, quoting log 3576 of 12 June, via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call 101."
