Woman bites armed attacker

The latest rape has similarities to a series of attacks

Police are investigating an attack in Hertfordshire which is believed to have similarities to 10 rapes and assaults carried out by a serial attacker in southern England.

A 45-year-old woman was walking her dog across playing fields in Stevenage on Thursday when she was grabbed from behind and threatened with a knife.

The woman bit her attacker and he ran off.

Police say they are not officially linking it to other attacks, but have made an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Bite mark

They want anyone who notices a bite mark on a man's right hand between this thumb and forefinger to contact them immediately.

A serial rapist has struck 10 times across Kent, Surrey, south London, Berkshire and Hertfordshire in the last year.

His victims have ranged from a 10-year-old girl to a 52-year-old woman.

Police say he usually attacks in wooded areas in daylight.