Sex attacker 'struck five times'

An e-fit of a man police believe could be responsible for the attacks

Police hunting a sex attacker believe he has struck at least five times.

Detectives in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, have issued details of a previous attack they believe was committed by the same man.

It happened in the early hours of Sunday, 14 September - more than 24 hours before what was previously thought to be the first incident.

The man came up behind his 17-year-old victim in Summerlands Road, grabbed her and subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

Because of the nature and location police are linking it to the other attacks.

On Sunday, 21 September, a 17-year-old girl was assaulted while walking in the Earlham Grove area.

Three other women were assaulted in the Bournville Estate area last week.

Distinctive appearance

On Thursday, 18 September, an 18-year-old was indecently assaulted, and a 22-year-old was punched in the face the previous day.

On Monday, 15 September, a 42-year-old woman was approached from behind by a man on a mountain bike who sexually assaulted her.

Women in the area are being urged to be vigilant and not to go out alone.

The attacker is described as a slim white man aged about 20, who is six-ft tall with a prominent pointed nose, blond or bleached hair, and a pierced or shaved eyebrow.

Det Ch Insp Olivia Pinkney said: "The description is so distinctive that someone out there knows who this man is.

"If you think it is your partner, husband, boyfriend, brother, neighbour, please search your conscience and come forward."