New appeal over women's attacker

Police have put up posters around the town which show an e-fit of the suspect

Women have been warned to stay vigilant as police continue to search for a serial attacker in East Sussex.

Since June 2007 officers have linked 10 reports of women in Hastings being grabbed, punched, or struck on the head with a weapon, to one male suspect.

They will now hold a series of public street briefings in the area to advise women about how to stay safe.

In addition, they have put up posters around the town which show an e-fit image of the suspected attacker.

Patrols have also been stepped up and 50 personal attack alarms have been handed out at stations in the area.

'Serious cuts'

The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s or 30s, with brown or dark hair, of average build, and has been seen wearing blue jeans and a long sleeved white t-shirt.

All of his victims were attacked in the evening or early hours of the morning and many had to be treated for serious cuts and bruises.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "We want to ensure that local people are aware of the assaults, are vigilant, and are taking measures to keep safe at night."

The public advice sessions are due to be held in the Silverhill, St Helens, and Braybrook areas on Sunday 29 June.

Police have appealed for anyone who has information about the attacks to contact them.