Girl's attack linked to serial rapist

The girl's rape is very similar to five other attacks

Police hunting a serial rapist believe he may have attacked a 12-year-old girl in Berkshire.

The girl was dragged off her bicycle and onto wasteland and raped near Bracknell's leisure centre.

Detectives have confirmed they are linking the attack with five other sexual assaults across the south of England.

They say the incident bore "striking similarities" to the other attacks.

Police issued an e-fit after the earlier attacks

On 1 July the 12-year-old girl was riding her bicycle on waste ground between Opladen Way and the A322 Bagshot Road when she was grabbed by a man.

He dragged her off her bicycle and assaulted her before running away.

Extensive searches of the scene by police officers failed to find the girl's rucksack and wallet.

Detectives say this habit of keeping "trophy items" fits in with the rapist's actions during the other attacks.

Similar descriptions

A spokeswoman for Kent Police, which is leading the operation, said: "There are similarities between these incidents.

"This man attacks during daytime hours, close to paths or busy areas and on weekdays.

"Descriptions that victims have given police are very similar.

"He also appears to keep an item of clothing from the victim."

Police believe the attack is linked to five other incidents.

On 6 September a 13-year-old was raped in the Pyrford Common area of Woking as she cycled along a road.

Officers are also investigating three attacks this summer and the rape of a 10-year-old in Ashford last November.