Police have issued a warning to women to be extra vigilant in parts of Ashford - after a sex attacker is thought to have struck three times.

A "substantial number of officers" are investigating the three attacks, which police are now linking.

They are warning women to stick to well-lit areas in parts of Ashford, and to carry a personal alarm if possible.

And police have released this efit of a man wanted after the latest sex attack on Friday night.

Then, a 23-year-old woman was walking her dog along a footpath near Singleton Lake when the alleged assault happened.

It is now thought the man committed two other assaults in Ashford last year.

On June 29, a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted as she walked to school near the Millennium community woods.

In a separate attack on September 6 last year, a 47-year-old dog walker was attacked on land of Britannia Lane.

DI Richard Vickery, of the Kent Police Major Crime Department, said: "We believe the man who committed the assault near Singleton Lake is also responsible for two other assaults in the Ashford area.

"We are almost certain that this man will be known locally and would urge anyone who recognises him or has any information to contact us immediately."

Police believe the crimes, although serious, are restricted to a very limited area.

Mr Vickery added: "We have a substantial number of officers working on this case and we have made some significant forensic progress.

"Assaults such as these are extremely rare, but we will continue to deploy a visible police presence in the area.

"We also urge people to take a common sense approach. Stick to well-lit and busy areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas if you are travelling alone. Carry a personal alarm if you have one."

DI Richard Vickery appeals for information to the attacks

Police are looking for a white man around 6ft 2in, with a large frame who is believed to be in his late 30s to late 40s.

The man has no hair but sometimes wears a baseball cap. In the most recent incident he was reported to have been wearing a dark jumper and jogging bottoms.

Anyone with information should contact DI Vickery on 01303 289600.

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