THE Kentish Express newspaper is helping in the hunt to track down a sex attacker who threatened to kill a 10-year-old Ashford schoolgirl as he raped her. Following the shocking facts of the girl's ordeal, revealed by detectives, the newspaper is offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man responsible.

Brian Lewis, editor of the Kentish Express editor, said: "This attack sickened and frightened an entire community. Like everyone else we feel obliged to offer any help we can."

Detectives on the case say they were very keen to work closely with the community. They fear the rapist could strike again. Supt David Pryer revealed that it was the worst crime he had experienced in 26 years of service, but praised the people on Ashford's Stanhope estate for their response to the assault. He urged the community to continue to come forward if they had any more information which could help the investigation.

He said: "It is essential that people think back over recent events and keep providing information to the incident room to ensure that the person responsible for this appalling crime is arrested and placed before the courts. Everything that can be done is being done, but we must remain vigilant. I would implore all parents and others looking after young children to take extra care."

The attacker is described as white, aged 25 to 30, between 5ft 5in and 5ft 9in tall, of small build, with short brown hair. He was wearing a blue jumper or fleece and blue trousers, had stubble on his face and smelt strongly of alcohol.

Anyone with information is being asked to telephone the incident room on 01622 654850 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.