DETECTIVES say about 1,500 telephone calls have been received after a computerised image was released of the serial rapist who has attacked 10 women and girls in the South East, including one in Kent.

Senior police officers in the county have praised what they describe as an excellent response to the e-fit. They say it is an a very good likeness. It shows a slightly chubby-faced man with receding, dark cropped hair, tanned skin and stubble.

The rapist first struck on the Stanhope Estate at Ashford in November last year when he raped his youngest victim - a girl of 10.

Police are hoping the image may jog the memory of anyone who has had dealings with him - for instance, a girlfriend, work colleague or medical or prison service professional.

Detectives have advised women and girls not to go out walking alone, or to wear headphones when out and about. All the rapist's victims have been attacked from behind.

Police describe him as white, aged 30 to 50, 5ft 5ins to 5ft 10ins tall, muscular, medium to stocky build with tanned, leathery skin.

He has a gruff voice, possibly with a trace of a North East accent and is thought to be a smoker.