A SEX fiend attacked two women - including a frail pensioner in her 80s - after breaking into their homes in the early hours.

The elderly woman's husband was also assaulted as he confronted the attacker in their flat.

The shocking sex assaults in the West Allington area of Bridport have rocked the West Dorset market town and have prompted mayor Geoff Ackerman to appeal for calm.

Police are also concerned the impact of the crimes will have on the people of Bridport, particularly the elderly, and are seeking to reassure residents.

Police were called to two flats within half a mile of each other around 2.30am yesterday.

Det Chief Insp Richard Burkmar of Weymouth CID said a woman aged in her 80s was seriously sexually assaulted and her husband was also assaulted in their ground floor flat.

A short time later officers were alerted to a ground floor flat nearby where a woman aged in her 30s was seriously sexually assaulted. Both the elderly couple and the other woman in were taken to the Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester for treatment.

The flats were immediately sealed off and uniformed officers conducted house-to-house enquiries while scenes of crime investigators scoured the area for clues.

Det Chief Insp Burkmar said: "These were two very serious offences and I am appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious, unusual or out of the ordinary activity in the West Allington area of Bridport between 1.30am and 2.30am yesterday to contact the police or Crime-stoppers in confidence. I am also very keen to speak to two people who were seen sitting on a wall in the West Allington area in the early hours of yesterday to come forward in confidence because they could be important witnesses."

He added: "Specially trained police officers are currently looking after the welfare needs of both the elderly couple and the woman in her 30s who have been through a very traumatic experience.

"Both incidents were shocking but I would like to reassure residents that this is not a daily occurrence in rural Dorset."

Mayor Geoff Ackerman said: "It's very disturbing to hear something like this has happened.

"You wouldn't expect incidents of this nature to happen in Bridport.

"I would appeal for calm and urge residents to work with the police. Anyone who has information should contact the police immediately."

Following a police search in Bridport a 17-year-old youth from the town was arrested in connection with the incidents.

Police were still questioning him today.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call police on 01305 222500 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.