Ivan Casado Arias, 32, has been charged with assault after he allegedly approached two women from behind, placed his hand over their mouths and assaulted them.

In both incidents, the women were able to break free and run from the scene.

Terrifying CCTV footage aired on Sunday showed the moment a man ran up behind a woman on Bellevue Parade in Carlton and grabbed her by the mouth about 8.25pm.

He pulled her to the ground and a struggle ensued. He then ran off in the direction from which he came, towards West Street.

The stunned woman, who appeared to be out for a walk and was wearing athletics shorts and sneakers, got to her feet and staggered after him for a few steps.

She then ran off in the opposite direction and contacted police.

Police believe the same man was responsible for a similar attack just 15 minutes earlier on Augusta Street in Allawah, less than one kilometre away.

In that attack, a 19-year-old woman was walking home from the train station at sunset when a man approached her from behind, put his hand over her mouth and allegedly indecently assaulted her. The attack occurred not far from her home.

She was able to break free, and the man ran away towards Norman Street.

After a three-day manhunt, police apprehended Mr Arias on Monday morning and took him to Kogarah police station.

He has been charged with one count each of indecent assault, assault with intent to commit an indictable offence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail in Sutherland Local Court on Monday.