Rape investigators name suspect

Police believe Mr Ismail has been living in Ealing and Uxbridge

Detectives investigating a series of rapes and attempted abductions in Northampton have named a man they want to question.

They have issued an appeal for help in tracing Abdihaken Hassan Ismail, 39, who was residing in Northampton at the time of one of the offences.

He is already on police bail in connection with the investigation.

The rape occurred on 31 July shortly after midnight when the woman, 18, was attacked in the Marefair area.

Officers believe Mr Ismail has been living in the Ealing and Uxbridge areas of London.

He also has connections in Slough, and holds a Swedish passport.

Officers are working with Customs and Ports and Swedish authorities to prevent him leaving the British Isles.

'Wasting time'

Detective Chief Inspector John Jones said: "We are now actively trying to find this man in order to interview him in connection with the rape of a 18-year-old woman in Northampton, and are working with Police Forces around the country to locate him.

"We would however, also like to appeal to members of the public who recognise him, or who know him, to come forward and let us know his whereabouts."

Officers are also still appealing for a couple to come forward who are believed to have witnessed this incident.

In another development to the case, one of the alleged victims has been cautioned for wasting police time.

A Northamptonshire police spokesman said on Thursday: "It has also been necessary to compile a file of evidence against one of the alleged victims and officers have now interviewed and taken informal action against a 15-year-old girl from Northampton for wasting police time."

This action relates to an alleged attempted abduction, which occurred on 1 August, in Doddridge Street, Northampton.

Enquiries are continuing into the other rapes in the town.