Detectives have extended bail for a Whitstable man arrested in connection with a string of sex attacks on women in the town.

In August, investigators quizzed a 46-year-old man after seven assaults were reported with offences ranging from indecent exposure to sexual assault.

The incidents took place from January to just days before the arrest with some of the women speaking about the terrifying attacks in the Gazette.

A man was bailed until Tuesday but that has been extended. A new bail date has been set but wasn’t revealed at the time we went to press.

Days before the arrest was made, officers released an e-fit image of a man they wanted to speak to describing him as white, stocky build, shaven head with a tribal or Celtic style tattoo around the base of his right thumb.

He was said to be wearing a dark or grey coloured hooded top.

Police also pledged to step up patrols in the town urging women to keep to well lit areas and avoid travelling alone.

But since the arrest, two women have come forward to say they were assaulted.

On Sunday, September 14, a woman in her 80s punched a man in the mouth after he tried to grab her in an alleyway between Bellevue Road and Invicta Road.

The attacker fled the scene in the direction of the Crab and Winkle Way after being challenged by the feisty pensioner.

The suspect was said to be dressed in black with a hoody tied up to his mouth and nose. It is thought he may have grey hair.

It came less than two weeks after a young woman in her 20s was followed by a man who hit in the face and stole her purse in an alleway off Joy Lane.

In response, the KM Group posted a £500 reward for information leading directly to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible.

Should that apply to more than one person, the reward will be shared.

Editor Leo Whitlock said: “We are determined to do all we can to help the police.

“This sort of thing simply should not happen in Whitstable.”

If you have any information on the attacks call police on 01303 289600 quoting reference ZY/30439/14 or Crimestoppers, if you prefer to remain anonymous,on 0800 555111.