Attacker 'bit off woman's tongue'

The second victim was attacked in Levens Road

Police have launched a UK-wide hunt for a man who attacked three women, in one case biting off his victim's tongue.

The man struck twice in Blackpool, Lancashire, and later in Knutsford, Cheshire, attacking three lone females.

Police warned women everywhere to be on their guard and said the man must be caught "as a matter of urgency".

"The attacks in Blackpool were particularly serious and, in one case, extremely vicious and brutal," said Detective Superintendent Ian Jones.

Struggled free

The first attack happened in the early hours of Friday on Rigby Road in the South Shore area of Blackpool when a man forced his way into a woman's car, then indecently assaulted her.

She managed to push him out and drive to safety.

The second attack happened at 0300 BST when the suspect enticed a woman walking past into his car in Levens Road, off Central Drive, Blackpool.

He seriously sexually assaulted her and bit off her tongue before she struggled free.

Attempted abduction

The third victim was driving on the M6 southbound at 0445 BST when she became aware of a vehicle following her.

After some distance the driver rammed her vehicle at speed in Knutsford town centre, causing her to stop.

Although she managed to run to safety, police are treating the incident as an attempted abduction.

The man is between 30 and 40, with black hair and of a stocky build.

He is wearing a dark top and driving a vehicle believed to be a blue saloon similar to an Escort or an Astra.

The registration number is thought to be similar to J648 WVX.