Ottawa police continue to hunt for a man accused of sexually assaulting a young girl while she was asleep in her home in a downtown student neighbourhood near the University of Ottawa on Sunday.

Police say the attack happened at about 7:15 a.m. when the suspect allegedly broke into an apartment on Daly Avenue where two women were sleeping.

Police say the man was armed with a knife and began sexually assaulting one woman. When the other woman awoke, the suspect fled.

He apparently demanded cash, but was unsuccessful.

"It's potentially similar to a couple of other incidents we're looking at; one that happened in November and potentially one in January. As in any investigation, we look for links with other cases," said Staff Sgt. John McGetrick of the Ottawa police.

In November, police were alerted to a similar incident on Stewart Street. Although the incident was initially investigated as a robbery, the case was later referred to investigators in the sexual assault unit.

Police are also looking into whether the Daly Avenue attack is linked to a sexual assault in an apartment on Chapel Street. In that case, an 18-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted by a stranger while she was sleeping on her couch. Police say that incident happened at about 6 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 25.

Both of those areas are within short walking distance from Daly Avenue.

Many who live in the student neighbourhood told CTV Ottawa on Monday the attacks are alarming and have them worried for their safety.

"It's very scary, indeed. You think you are living in a safe neighbourhood," said one woman.

In the meantime, police are warning area residents to be extra cautious and lock their doors.

The student's federation at the University of Ottawa says it's also considering sending out an e-mail alerting students to the situation.

Police say the suspect in the Daly Avenue incident is described as white with a fair complexion, 20 to 25 years old, unshaven or with acne on his face, possibly wearing glasses, and wearing a hood over his head and face.

Anyone with information is asked to call Ottawa police at 613-236-1222 ext. 5944.