A SEX attacker who preyed on women and girls late at night has been jailed.

Isaac Watson would run up behind his victims in the Old Town area of Eastbourne, catching them unawares before running off into the night.

The youngest victim was just 11 years old, but he also attacked a 12-year-old girl, a 13-year-old girl, and two women aged 30 and 32.

Police were not able to trace him for a number of years because he had no criminal record.

Officers investigating the case said victims were left feeling “shocked and upset by this disgusting and frightening behaviour”.

It was only when police released an e-fit that Watson’s name was put forward as a potential suspect, and DNA evidence could then be used to link him to his crimes.

The unemployed 24-year-old from Victoria Road in Eastbourne was sentenced to eight years in prison at Lewes Crown Court after admitting five sexual assaults.

Judge Christine Laing QC deemed Watson to be “exceptionally dangerous”, so t he must serve two thirds of the sentence before he can be considered for parole.

Then he will remain on licence for six years after his prison spell, and will also be on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Dan Thomson investigated the case, and said Watson carried a series of attacks between 2012 and 2017.

It was only with the help of an 11-year-old girl who witnessed one of the attacks that an e-fit could be made.

Detective Thomson said: “Watson targeted his victims carefully and tended to avoid areas where there might be witnesses or CCTV. In some cases he was careful to hide his face.

“He would run up behind his victims, taking them unawares, and sexually assault them under their clothing before running off.

“They were all very shocked and upset by this disgusting and frightening behaviour.

“Finally, after the incident in September last year, we secured several witnesses.

“When we issued an e-fit of the suspect, several names were put forward, including Watson.

“The resemblance between the e-fit and Watson is one of the best I have seen. It is a testament to the memory and descriptive ability of this very young witness.”

A tip off gave police Watson’s name, as he had cut his hair shortly after the e-fit was released.

“Thanks to their evidence, a dangerous offender, who would undoubtedly have continued to attack women, possibly with even more serious consequences has been taken off the streets,” he added.