YOUNG women are being warned not to go out alone at night after a string of sex attacks, including a Brighton rape.

Sussex Police and two other forces today were liaising in the hunt for the attacker, wanted for at least five rapes and indecent assaults.

They fear he has committed more and the investigation could spread nationwide. BBC TV's Crimewatch is expected to feature the offences in next month's programme.

His rape victims range from a 15-year-old schoolgirl to a woman of 26.

The inquiry, Operation Monarch, is being headed by Scotland Yard in London, where two crimes took place.

Commander Paddy Tompkins, leading the hunt, said the man travels between Brighton, north-west London and Southend, where the attacks happened.

He is being assisted by Essex Det Chief Supt Lee Weavers who warned: "We would encourage women to reduce their vulnerability by avoiding being out alone at night."

The Brighton victim was raped on Saturday, August 29, the Bank Holiday weekend, after she had enjoyed a night out with friends.

She left them at 11pm and caught the 1A bus home from St James's Street. She got off outside Gala Bingo in Eastern Road at 11.30pm and walked to Hendon Street.

Afew minutes later she walked to a telephone kiosk at the nearby junction of Sutherland and Craven Road to call a friend.

At about midnight, the attacker approached and started chatting. He suddenly grabbed her round the throat and dragged into an alley at the back of houses in Rochester Street.

Police think she may have been followed home.

The rapist's description fits that of the man wanted for the other assaults. He is a dark-skinned white man, aged 20 to 30, 5ft 9in, with short, brown hair and a London accent.

Anyone with information should call a special police hotline 0800 389 2873.

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