DETECTIVES hunting the rapist who attacked a woman in her 60s in her Poole home say they have been encouraged by the public response to their appeals for information.

Officers have been working hard to track down the sex attacker who forced his way into the Parkstone home of the victim in the early hours of September 10, raped her and stole personal items, including her cash card.

On Monday, September 20, they released a photofit of the suspect, who used the woman's card at two cash machines on Ashley Road shortly after 2am that morning.

They also released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to urgently in connection with the attack, which left the victim traumatised.

Detective Inspector Gary Smith said: "We haven't scaled down the investigation in any way and we're making good progress.

"We are very pleased with the response from the public - people are still phoning us up.

"I would encourage people to continue to make contact with us because we are still continuing to pursue lines of enquiry given to us by members of the public."

The man is thought to be in his early 20s, about 5ft 8ins tall, slim with light to medium brown well-groomed hair.

Anyone who was in Ashley Road, between Safeway and the Co-op from 11pm on September 9 and 2.30am on September 10, or whose relative or friend matches the description and came home late that night, is asked to contact the police.

The Dorset Police appeals line is 01202 222500 or ring free and anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

First published: September 29