Woman attacked on Esplanade; incident similar to unsolved assaults in recent years

A woman sitting on a bench by Mass. Ave. was attacked around 11:30 p.m. yesterday by a man who first engaged her in a lengthy discussion, according to a statement from Boston and State Police and the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

The man was described as black, 25 to 30, 6'1" or 6'2", about 230 lbs., with short hair and a missing front tooth. He was wearing black sweatpants and a green top, authorities say, adding the woman was able to flee.

Since 2006, three women have been attacked on the Esplanade and one in Moakley Park in South Boston. Authorities say they have yet to determine if last night's attack is related, however - the suspect in the earlier cases was described as shorter.