DETECTIVES hunting a serial rapist have been flooded with more than 500 calls following an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch UK last night.

Kent police confirmed they were following up new information thanks to the huge response to the programme.

The attacker, known as the trophy rapist because he flees with clothing belonging to his victims, first struck last November in Ashford.

He snatched a 10-year-old girl from outside a youth club on the Stanhope estate, beat her and raped her, before dumping her by the side of a road. Another eight attacks in the South East have followed this year.

Last night's Crimewatch UK programme showed a reconstruction of the horrific attack. The girl's father, who cannot be identified, also spoke about the ordeal.

The programme was inundated with calls about the attacks, switchboards were jammed and presenter Nick Ross appealed for people to call in to the dedicated incident room. Kent Police's Assistant Chief Constable David Kelly appealed for viewers to come forward with names of people that fitted the rapist's description. Despite so many names being put forward, the same name was never mentioned twice.

Jane Walker, Kent police spokesman, said: "Inquiries will now be made following up the information given."

Last Monday the trophy rapist appeal was featured on the Tonight programme with Trevor McDonald and police received more than 100 calls.

The rapist is described as white, aged 30 to 50, with short dark hair which is going grey in places. He is of medium or stocky build, 5ft 5ins to 5ft 10ins tall, with tanned, leathery skin.

He has a deep, gruff voice and possibly a North East accent. He has smelt of cigarettes or alcohol and one witness said there were scars or noticeable blemishes on his face.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 0845 6018109 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.