Sophie Watson, who is studying for an MSc in Urban Planning at the University and works in the Psychology department, was cycling on the canal path between the Edgbaston campus and the Vale when she was pushed in.

After tweeting about what happened, she said that it appeared that five women had been similarly assaulted.

Watson was cycling towards town and when she saw eight to 10 teenage boys cycling the other way, she moved to the canal side of the path to allow them to pass.

She told Redbrick: ‘The first one said “you’re getting pushed in” and then maybe the 6th just pushed me in.’

‘Me, my bike and all my belongings were in the canal and they continued cycling and laughing.’

‘After I’d pulled myself and bike out, I continued on along the canal when I saw another drenched woman ahead (near the Vale bridge). She had also been pushed in by them and two men had helped her out.’

Watson described herself as being ‘a little shook up’ and added ‘I didn’t expect this to happen. I won’t be using the canals for a while.’

She also said, ‘I worry that other women will be deterred from using this route, and therefore cycling, as they don’t want to cycle on the road!’

Edgbaston Police and the UoB Police team will both be increasing their foot patrols along the canal.

A statement released by West Midlands Police said: ‘We were called to reports of a woman cyclist being pushed into a canal near Carver Street, Birmingham just after 6.40pm yesterday (Friday) evening.’

‘We are also aware of reports on social media of similar incidents and would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us.’

‘Officers in the neighbourhood teams will be linking 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 http://west-midlands.police.uk or call 101.’