POLICE have released detailed artist’s impressions in a bid to trace a sex offender who struck in Shaftesbury.

Detectives hope to track down a man who attacked a local woman in her 30s in the Nettlecombe and Ten Acres area.

The woman managed to fight him off and escape from her ordeal, which took place at 11.15pm on Tuesday February 11.

The offender is described as 6ft tall and slim, wearing distinctime work boots and a hood.

Detective Constable Andy Marsh, of Western CID, said: “Following the previous appeal for witnesses, I am now in a position to release two images of a man I wish to speak with.

“The images – derived from a full account by the victim – have been drawn by a specially trained artist.

“I strongly suspect the man to be local to the Shaftesbury area and I urge anybody who knows this person to come forward and speak with the police in confidence.

“This is a rare and isolated incident, however we would advise members of the public to be extra vigilant.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 11:484 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.