E-fit of attack suspect released

Many of the victims suffered serious cuts and bruises

Police investigating a series of 10 attacks on women have released three e-fit images of a man they want to question.

The attacks in Hastings, East Sussex happened late evening or in the early hours between June 2007 and May 2008.

The attacker has been striking between 2100 and 0300 BST. There appeared to be no sexual motive and nothing was taken.

Women have been advised against going out alone at night and police patrols in the area have been increased.

Sussex Police have linked the 10 reports of women being grabbed, punched or struck on the head with a weapon.

There are striking similarities between them and I hope that they will encourage people in coming forward Det Insp Paul Phelps

Many of the victims have received treatment, often for serious cuts and bruises.

The white man, possibly in his 20s or 30s, was described as having brown or dark hair and being of average height and build, possibly muscular.

He has been seen wearing blue jeans and a white long sleeved crew neck t-shirt.

Det Insp Paul Phelps said: "There are striking similarities between them and I hope that they will encourage people in coming forward.

"As well as advising women not to walk alone late in the evening, we have increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance and assist in locating the offender."

The e-fits were completed independently by witnesses to two of the linked incidents, one on St Helens Road on 5 May and one in an alley near Freshwater Avenue on 21 May.