By Milton J. Valencia, Globe Staff

August 19, 2010 04:18 PM

As the start of the school year nears, law enforcement officials are warning residents to be mindful of their surroundings at night on the Charles River Esplanade in light of a series of unsolved sexual assaults in that area.

A joint statement by Boston police and State Police and Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley warns joggers, cyclists, pedestrians and others to travel in groups if they visit the Esplanade at night. Specifically, they warn people to avoid one-on-one contact with strangers, to not get into a stranger’s car, and to be mindful of what’s around them.

The warning comes while police continue to search for the suspect in a series of attacks on the Esplanade that date back to 2006.

Follow the link for a composite image of the suspect and more information.  -ed