Police brief women over attacks

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

Police investigating a series of attacks on women in East Sussex have been seeking to reassure residents.

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.

A series of public street briefings, giving women more information and tips on staying safe, were held on Sunday.

They have been asking residents not to panic, but to stay vigilant. An e-fit image of the suspect has been released.

Cuts and bruises

Posters have been put up around the town, police patrols have been stepped up, and personal attack alarms have been handed out at stations in the area.

Sgt Alan Gates, of Hastings Police, said their warnings appeared to be having an effect as there had not been any attacks in the last month.

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.