Images of rape suspects released

Artist's impressions of men wanted by police In pictures

Police have released artist's impressions of five men they want to talk to in connection with a series of rapes in Northampton.

The pictures have been put together using statements from witnesses and victims after three women were raped in the town between 1 and 8 August.

Two more victims managed to get away unharmed.

Police said there may be fewer or more offenders involved, but they believe at least two men were working together.

Det Insp Tom Thompson said: "On at least two occasions we believe at least two of the men were working together.

Bundled into car

"A number of these men may have access or have had access to a dark coloured BMW 7-series car and/or a light coloured four-door Fiat Punto car, which have been used in a number of the incidents.

"If you know any of their names, know where they live, or know where they hang out, please contact us."

On Monday 1 August, a 15-year-old girl was in Doddridge Street, Northampton, and was dragged into a light coloured Fiat Punto car by two men but managed to get out of the car a few minutes later, shaken but uninjured.

Later that night an 18-year-old woman was walking in Horsemarket when a man in a blue 7-series BMW car started talking to her.

Parked behind the BMW was a light coloured Fiat Punto car with two men inside. She was bundled into the back seat of the BMW and driven to a remote location, believed to be off the Nobottle Road in Duston, where she was raped.

On Wednesday 3 August, a 25-year-old woman was walking across Cheyne Walk, when a BMW car stopped suddenly near her. A man got out of the car and ran across the road towards her. She ran into the car park of Northampton General Hospital for safety.

The fourth incident in the early hours of Monday 8 August involved a 30-year-old woman found with head injuries in the area of Exeter Place, Northampton.

It appears that she had been hit over the head with an unknown instrument before being raped.