A SEX beast who allegedly drugged and raped women in his taxi could have struck in Dorset, police have revealed.

Women who may have fallen prey to the attacker were today urged to come forward.

Detectives at the Metropolitan Police investigating a series of sex attacks in a black cab around London have teamed up with officers in Dorset as they are concerned that offences committed in the county have not been reported.

Detective Inspector Jez Noyce of Dorset Police said: "We believe this individual has some connections to the Dorset area in terms of associates and addresses which means he may have had an opportunity to commit offences.

"The offences could go back as far as 2002."

Police say the attacks may have been committed by the male driver of a black London cab.

His method is to claim he has won money and offer women who he has picked up drink or drugs that he has with him in the front of the cab and join with him in celebration.

Det Insp Noyce said: "It is possible that the drink may have contained sedatives and that women may have suffered ill effects as a result.

"A number of the women have then passed out and been unconscious for part of the journey. They have little or no recollection of what happens next but some of the women do recall being indecently assaulted."

He said women should not feel embarrassed or ashamed about coming forward and that all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Specially trained officers are on standby and ready to offer help and support.

Police say they have concerns about the health and wellbeing of women who may have been in contact with the man.

Det Insp Noyce added: "Do you remember getting into a cab and being offered a drink? Do you remember feeling drowsy and a bit strange during the journey and are unsure of what happened to you?

"I am interested in any information, no matter how unimportant or irrelevant people may believe it to be."

Victims and anyone with information can contact the police incident room on 0800 328 7657 or Crimestoppers.