A SERIAL rapist being hunted by police in Kent and Surrey is believed to have struck again at the weekend.

Only hours after a press conference appealing for the public to identify anyone who moved from the Ashford area to Surrey between last November and this July, a girl of 13 was raped in Woking.

Police had already linked the attacker who raped a 10-year-old girl outside a youth club in Ray Allen Centre, Stanhope, Ashford, on November 15 with four rapes in Surrey. Another two rapes in London are also being considered.

The signature of the rapist is that he takes items of the victim's clothing. He is aged between 35 and 45, of medium build, with short hair and stubble and "stinking of alcohol". He speaks in a low, husky voice.

DCI Colin Murray, in charge of the Kent investigation, said: "This person is clearly able to go out during the day and commit offences - what does that tell us? It could be someone who works outside or perhaps a courier."

After the Ashford attack, police believe the man may have been in prison or abroad as they have been unable to link him to any rapes until July.

DCI Murray said: "It is possible that someone else has been attacked in the intervening time and has not come forward. If that is the case, I would assure the victim that she can come to us and she will be treated sensitively."

In the first of the three Surrey rapes on Thursday, July 11, a 30-year-old woman was grabbed from behind at 10.30am in woodland at Earlswood. As he left, the man took her long-sleeved top, black underwear and socks.

The second rape was at 7pm on Tuesday, July 16, in Goldsworth Park. The 18-year-old victim was also grabbed from behind as she walked along a footpath. Her attacker removed her top and took it with him.

On Wednesday, August 7, a 26-year-old woman was attacked from behind while walking through woodland in Epsom.

Det Supt Martin Parker from Surrey police said: "This is a serial offender and we know he is a high risk. Anyone who has subjected women to this sort of attack is clearly a very dangerous man."

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 01622 654321 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.