Attacks on elderly women "are by one man"

Detective Inspector Trevor Bowles, head of Rother CID, is now convinced that the series of attacks on elderly women in Bexhill is the work of one man.

He is again appealing for anyone with information to contact the CID at Bexhill police station on 0845 6070999.

There have been no further attacks for a few days but there are indications that the offender might be a local man, possibly a drug addict needing ready money to feed his habit. He could strike again.

In warning women to be on their guard he is urging them to resist the natural inclination to defend their property.

One 60-year-old victim put up a fight and suffered a broken arm as a result.

Detective Inspector Bowles said: "This is a nasty little series of attacks that has been going on. The attack in Bolebroke Road where the elderly victim had her arm broken was particular nasty.

"We are still pursuing active lines of inquiry and would welcome anyone who has information on any of these disgraceful attacks coming forward.

"We have not discounted the possibility that this series of attacks are linked.

"We have had three, for example, which took place on a Saturday and in a very confined area of the town."